Principal Subsystem Build & Test Engineer

Atom Computing•Boulder, CO, CO

6d•$185,000 - $210,000

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. The role provides technical leadership in establishing the practices and procedures needed to move first-of-a-kind development into repeatable production. The engineer will educate and mentor manufacturing engineers and technicians in best practices for building and verifying electro-optical subsystems, while helping shape the capabilities, methods, and culture of Atom’s new manufacturing organization and remaining directly involved in hardware work.

Requirements

A BS 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 the 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.
Desire to coach engineers and technicians and distinguish process problems from design issues.
Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree.
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.

Benefits

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