Optical Assembly and Alignment 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 an Optical Assembly & Alignment Engineer to build, align, and verify optical breadboards and laser-delivery assemblies for neutral-atom quantum computers. This hands-on role delivers tested optical subsystems and alignment records to the system integration team.

Responsibilities

• Assemble optical breadboards and optomechanical hardware from released layouts, drawings, bills of materials, and work instructions.
• Install and align lenses, mirrors, polarization optics, and fiber-coupling assemblies to establish the required beam paths and subsystem interfaces.
• Measure optical power, beam profile, polarization, and coupling performance; use wavefront measurements where required by approved test procedures.
• Troubleshoot optical loss, clipping, alignment drift, and polarization errors; document findings and perform approved adjustments or rework.
• Work with Optical Bonding Technicians to establish pre-bond alignment and verify that curing or fastening has not disturbed optical performance.
• Maintain optical cleanliness, protect sensitive coatings, and follow approved handling and laser-safety practices throughout assembly and test.
• Complete subsystem verification and maintain component, alignment, and measurement records; support resolution of optical issues found during system integration.
• Learn first-of-a-kind methods alongside Engineering and improve repeat-build alignment instructions, fixtures, and assembly sequences with Manufacturing Engineering.

Experience & Education

• BS in optics, optical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant optical-engineering experience; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of hands-on optical assembly, free-space alignment, fiber coupling, and characterization of precision laser or photonics hardware.
• Experience building from controlled optical layouts and recording repeatable measurements for subsystem acceptance.
• Experience with neutral-atom quantum-computer optics, atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) laboratory systems, or precision scientific instrumentation preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong practical knowledge of free-space beam alignment, polarization control, fiber coupling, and the relationship between component placement and optical performance.
• Proficiency with optical power meters, beam-imaging cameras, and related bench metrology; wavefront-measurement experience preferred.
• Ability to interpret optical layouts and optomechanical drawings and work safely with delicate coated optics.
• Systematic troubleshooting and careful recordkeeping so another engineer can reproduce alignment and verification results.
• Ability to work closely with bonding, verification, and integration teams; familiarity with measurement-data analysis or laboratory scripting preferred.
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.