Senior Optical Engineer

Infleqtion•Boulder, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At Infleqtion, we are dedicated to solving complex global challenges through advanced quantum technology. Our core mission is to bring atom-based quantum products to market, offering significant improvements in sensing and computing. We are committed to leading the quantum ecosystem toward tangible advancements and shaping its future technological direction. Within Infleqtion’s Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is looking for a Senior Optical Engineer. This role involves the independent design, implementation, and validation of sophisticated optical subsystems for neutral-atom quantum computing platforms. The ideal candidate will be an experienced individual contributor, collaborating closely with physicists and diverse engineering teams to translate experimental needs into reliable optical designs. This position is primarily hands-on and lab-based, with growing responsibilities in technical execution, problem-solving, and providing informal guidance to junior engineers.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field with at least 4 years of relevant experience. A Master's degree or Ph.D. is preferred. Relevant graduate research (M.S. or Ph.D.) may be counted toward the experience requirement.
Strong foundation in geometrical, Fourier, and physical optics, including Gaussian beam propagation, thin-lens imaging, optical relays, telescopes/beam expanders, imaging systems, microscope optics, diffraction, polarization, and spatial filtering.
Proficiency with Zemax (OpticStudio) for optical system design, sequential modeling, aberration analysis, PSF/MTF analysis, optimization, and tolerancing.
Proficiency in Python for Zemax automation and data analysis.
Working knowledge of SolidWorks sufficient to collaborate on opto-mechanical layouts and design reviews.
Experience designing, modeling, and validating laser-based optics systems for microscopy, lithography, atomic physics, or quantum applications.
Experience with spatial light modulators (SLMs), including optical setup, calibration, beam shaping or pattern generation, and integration into laser-based or quantum optics systems.
Experience designing and analyzing beam-delivery and imaging systems, including Gaussian beam and fiber mode-field modeling, fiber coupling, apodization, point-spread-function analysis, modulation-transfer-function analysis, Fourier optics, and 4-f optical systems.
Hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting common optical components and modulators, including filters, optical fibers, polarizers, waveplates, diffraction gratings, AOMs/AODs, EOMs, and SLMs.
Working knowledge of laboratory electronics and instrumentation used in optical experiments, including photodetectors, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, amplifiers, and electronic filters.
Hands-on laboratory expertise in precision optical alignment and experimental troubleshooting.
Experience using Git or similar version control systems for design artifacts, scripts, or analysis tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with stability-sensitive optical systems subject to thermal, vibrational, or long-term drift effects.
A hands-on, detail-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and technical accountability.
Clear verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to bridge physics and engineering perspectives.
Positive, collaborative working style and enthusiasm for mentoring and developing engineers.

Responsibilities

Design, model, and validate optical and laser-based subsystems for neutral-atom quantum computing platforms.
Integrate and test scalable atom addressing and control technologies, including digital micromirror devices (DMDs), spatial light modulators (SLMs), acousto-optic deflectors (AODs), electro-optic modulators (EOMs), metasurface-based optics, and fast multi-beam steering architectures.
Collaborate closely with physicists and optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers throughout the experimental and hardware development lifecycle, from initial research demonstrations to integrated, scalable systems.
Lead hands-on laboratory efforts, including optical assembly, precision alignment, debugging, and performance characterization of complex, multi-channel optical systems.
Develop and maintain high-fidelity optical models using Zemax (OpticStudio), including tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and performance optimization informed by experimental data and system-level requirements.
Transition optical subsystems from research-grade configurations to commercial-ready, repeatable, maintainable, and scalable hardware within a defined architecture.
Provide technical guidance and informal mentorship to optical engineers through design reviews and hands-on coaching.
Establish and improve best practices for optical design workflows, laboratory procedures, documentation, and version control.