Senior Laser Engineer

Atom Computing • Boulder, CO, CO

2d • $150,000 - $180,000

About The Position

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing. As a Senior Laser Engineer, you'll independently own the precision laser and optical systems — diode and fiber lasers, nonlinear optical frequency conversion — that keep our quantum computers running reliably. You'll bring deep expertise in one or more laser/optics domains to our hardest technical problems, set the bar for documentation and technical rigor, and partner closely with physicists, hardware, and software engineers as we scale.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree a plus
• 5+ years of experience using, maintaining, and independently developing optical, opto-mechanical, and/or laser systems
• Demonstrated mastery in at least one laser/optics domain (e.g., diode/fiber lasers and amplifiers, nonlinear optical systems, phase-locking), evidenced by concrete project contributions
• Track record of leading laser/optical projects independently, from requirements through completion
• Experience designing and modeling nonlinear optical or laser/amplifier systems
• Strong data analysis skills, and comfort producing and working from engineering documentation (change orders, assembly drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams)
• Excellent communicator, able to set the documentation and technical-writing bar for a cross-functional team of physicists and engineers

Nice To Haves

• Experience mentoring or reviewing the work of junior engineers
• Proficiency with Python and Git
• Proficiency with Zemax, Onshape, and/or SolidWorks/CAD

Responsibilities

• Own alignment, tuning, and troubleshooting of laser and optical systems — diode and fiber lasers/amplifiers, nonlinear optical systems — with minimal supervision
• Design, characterize, phase-lock, and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems for new hardware builds and upgrades
• Lead technical projects end-to-end: gather requirements, build action plans, and drive prioritization and schedule
• Analyze optical test data — plotting, fitting, interpreting — to guide design and troubleshooting decisions
• Set the documentation and technical-writing standard for the team, and review the work of other engineers
• Partner with experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers, and report progress to the Laser Engineering Manager

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
• FSA
• Dependent care benefits
• Life insurance
• Drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in offices

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior