Principal Subsystem Build & Test Engineer

Atom Computing•Boulder, CO

About The Position

Atom Computing is seeking a Principal Subsystem Build & Test Engineer to lead the build, test, and delivery of optical, vacuum/mechanical, and electronic subsystems for neutral-atom quantum computers. This technical leadership role establishes the practices and procedures needed to take first-of-a-kind development through repeatable production. The role models and teaches best practices to engineers and technicians building and verifying electro-optical subsystems, and helps shape the capabilities, methods, and culture of Atom’s new manufacturing organization while remaining directly involved with hardware. The position works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and organizational leadership to develop practical assembly and test methods, maintain build readiness, and improve processes based on repeat-build results. It provides hands-on technical direction across precision assembly, optical alignment, integration, troubleshooting, and subsystem acceptance testing, and releases verified subsystems to System Integration & Test (SI&T).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience.
At least 8 years of experience building, integrating, testing, or developing precision optical, scientific, or similarly complex hardware.
At least 3 years of experience mentoring engineers and technicians in an integration, manufacturing, or test environment.
Extensive hands-on experience assembling, aligning, integrating, and testing precision optical systems.
Experience working with electronic/RF, vacuum, mechanical, or electromechanical subsystems.
Experience taking first-of-a-kind hardware through build, test, troubleshooting, and transition into repeatable production.
Practical knowledge of optical assembly, alignment, cleanliness, bonding coordination, and measurements used to verify precision optical subsystems.
Working knowledge of electronic and RF assembly, chassis and cable checkout, and vacuum and mechanical build requirements.
Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to distinguish design issues from process, material, equipment, and workmanship problems.
Experience working with released drawings, work instructions, inspection criteria, test procedures, calibrated equipment, and nonconformance processes.
Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Experience with quantum computing, atomic physics, advanced photonics, aerospace, semiconductor, scientific instrumentation, or similarly complex hardware.

Responsibilities

Lead the build, integration, and testing of optical, vacuum/mechanical, RF, electronic, and cable assemblies.
Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians.
Partner with Engineering on first-of-a-kind builds and translate designs into practical assembly and test methods.
Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to establish repeatable build processes, work instructions, fixtures, and test procedures.
Provide hands-on technical direction for optical alignment, precision assembly, integration, and troubleshooting.
Diagnose build and test failures and work with Engineering to identify design, process, material, or workmanship issues.
Ensure required materials, documentation, qualified personnel, and calibrated equipment are available before builds begin.
Maintain accurate build, inspection, and test records and release verified subsystems to System Integration & Test (SI&T).
Track build progress, first-pass acceptance, rework, and cycle time, and use repeat-build findings to improve processes and fixtures.
Oversee approved subsystem measurements and acceptance tests, including optical characterization, electronic checkout, and applicable mechanical or vacuum verification.
Collaborate with leadership to plan personnel, workspace, fixtures, and shared equipment across parallel build efforts.
Coach and educate engineers and technicians on best practices for building and verifying electro-optical subsystems.

Benefits

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents.
Unlimited paid time off.
401(k) company matching.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Flexible spending account (FSA).
Dependent care benefits.
Life insurance.
Drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in the offices every day.
Annual bonus.
Equity in the company.