Principal Optical Engineer
Atom Computing Other Engineering Boulder, CO, USA USD 160k-185k / year + Equity Posted on Jul 8, 2026 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 Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement rigorous standards for optical engineering, ensuring design integrity through detailed modeling and analysis. You will collaborate closely with physicists and subject matter experts to architect the optical assemblies and modules essential for our next-generation neutral atom quantum computers. This position reports directly to the VP, Optical Engineering and requires being on-site at our Boulder, CO facility 4-5 days per week. Job Responsibilities
Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
Collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to understand key product use cases to inform next generation hardware development lifecycle
Work with physicists and subject matter experts to develop requirements and system architecture for optical assemblies, subsystems, and modules to support next generation neutral atom computers
Establish and enforce best practices for optical design, performing critical design reviews, detailed tolerance analysis, and advanced stray light modeling to ensure suitability of design solutions
Define and standardize precision alignment procedures for all optical designs and subsystems, ensuring robust and repeatable assembly
Provide high-level leadership and oversight for hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
Mentor junior team members and generate internal training documents and procedures
Contribute as a subject matter expert to technical writing, grant proposals, and presentations
Generate new intellectual property and inventions
Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors including managing the design process and defining deliverables
External speaking and/or customer engagements
Troubleshoot technical issues at Atom and off-site customer facilities
Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds
Experience & Education
Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
10+ years optical design experience
7+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
Experience bringing a complex optical system from conception to productization
Qualifications
Deep expertise and demonstrated leadership in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems and complex laser distribution networks
Proven track record of driving complex technical initiatives from conception through deployment, and the ability to mentor and scale the engineering team's capabilities
Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
Experience with structural-thermal-optical-performance (STOP) analysis
Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD
Deep experience and kledge of free-space optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection
Experience with high-power lasers and optical design toward high-power systems.
Creative, critical thinker with ability to strategize and solve complex problems in a dynamic environment
Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with neutral atom quantum computing
Industry/Professional experience in commercial product development and deployment to a customer site 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 $160,000-185,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company. See more open positions at Atom Computing