Laser Engineer

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.

We are seeking a Laser Engineer to join our Quantum Engineering Department. Our neutral-atom quantum computers depend on a growing network of precision laser and optical systems that need to run reliably around the clock. In this role, you'll work hands-on with that hardware: aligning, characterizing, and optimizing systems on the bench, then turning that work into documented, repeatable designs the team can build on. You'll partner closely with experimental physicists, hardware engineers, and software engineers, and your work will directly shape how reliably our quantum computers run day to day.

Job Responsibilities

Align, tune, and troubleshoot optical and laser systems — including diode- and fiber-based lasers/amplifiers and nonlinear optical systems — to keep quantum computing hardware running reliably

Characterize, phase-lock, and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems to improve performance and stability

Design and model nonlinear optical and laser/amplifier systems for new hardware builds and system upgrades

Provide technical expertise to laser and optical projects across the team, with the goal of maximizing performance and robustness

Take, plot, analyze, fit, and interpret data from optical testing experiments to guide design and troubleshooting decisions

Gather project requirements from stakeholders, turn them into action plans, and keep the team on schedule with proper prioritization

Create and maintain engineering change documentation; work from assembly drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and other written, visual, and oral instructions

Collaborate day-to-day with experimental physicists, hardware engineers, and software engineers to integrate laser systems into the broader quantum computing platform

Report progress, risks, and technical findings to the Laser Engineering Manager, and contribute to the team's roadmap for scaling laser systems

Experience & Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field

Minimum 2+ years of experience (advanced degree inclusive) using and maintaining optical, opto-mechanical, and/or laser systems

Required Qualifications

Temperamentally suited to work at a fast-growing startup: self-motivated, humble, driven, collaborative, and comfortable with ambiguity

Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of experimental physicists, hardware engineers, and software engineers

Hands-on experience aligning optical elements in accordance with documented designs

Experience with current state-of-the-art lasers/amplifiers (e.g., diode and fiber-based) and nonlinear optical materials, including characterization, phase-locking, and optimization of laser and nonlinear optical systems, plus design and modeling experience for nonlinear optical and laser/amplifier systems

Experience with data analysis: taking, plotting, analyzing, fitting, and interpreting data from optical testing experiments

Experience with engineering change documentation; ability to work from assembly drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, sketches, and other written, visual, and oral instructions

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with Python and Git software version control

Familiarity with Zemax, Onshape, and/or SolidWorks/CAD for designing optical and optomechanical systems

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $130,000 – $165,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company