Advanced Optical Engineer - 972

We are seeking an Advanced Optical Engineer to support R&D in our Broomfield, CO Location.

Our team develops optics and integrated photonics technologies that enable scaling of our trapped-ion quantum computers from our current 98-qubit Helios system to our future Lumos system with hundreds of thousands of qubits. The data, designs, and expertise from our group inform our next-generation systems, from the overall architecture to the tiniest of details. We are looking for more engineers and scientists to join our cross-disciplinary team.

All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the build and optimization of metrology systems to assemble, characterize, refine, validate, and improve metasurface, micro-optical, and integrated photonic components and systems
• Create new ways to create, deliver, and measure light to trapped ions
• Develop and use high-sensitivity measurement techniques and systems to evaluate the optical output of optical and photonic devices
• Drive the development and design of metrology systems that validate technologies, methods, alignment, and suppliers to inform roadmaps and production
• Contribute deep technical expertise within a team of optical engineers, physicists, and opto-mechanical engineers
• Document and communicate procedures, results, and conclusions to teammates, collaborators, and stakeholders

YOU MUST HAVE:

• Bachelor’s degree minimum
• Minimum 5 years’ experience (advanced degree inclusive) optical testing and alignment of components and systems
• Minimum 5 years’ experience (advanced degree inclusive) building, aligning, debugging, and troubleshooting free-space optical, micro-optical, and/or photonic systems
• Minimum 1 year experience (advanced degree inclusive) using python (or related programming language) to control hardware and for data acquisition & analysis
• Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
• Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:

• Masters in optics, applied physics, or instrumentation
• Deep understanding of several areas of optics and photonics, and experience applying this knowledge to hands-on projects
• Experience in at least 7 of the following areas:
  • coherent optics utilizing diffractive optics (DOEs) and/or metasurfaces
  • polarizing optical components and photonics metrology
  • lasers at several wavelengths from UV to IR
  • optical modeling software such as Zemax, Code V, etc.
  • basic use of CAD software such as OnShape, SolidWorks, etc.
  • test & measurement equipment including optical spectrum analyzers, rf spectrum analyzers, frequency counters, etc.
  • fiber fusion splicing
  • precision opto-mechanical assembly
  • CCD/CMOS cameras and image analysis
  • fiber array alignment
  • traceable optical validation setup
  • Experience working in a laboratory, production, or cleanroom environment with cleanliness and ESD awareness
  • Experience translating optical designs, specifications, and drawings into alignment and testing setups and verification
  • Experience working on a team and collaborating across disciplines
  • Deep curiosity and interest in learning new things