Senior 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.

As a Senior Laser Engineer, you'll independently own the precision laser and optical systems — diode and fiber lasers, nonlinear optical frequency conversion — that keep our quantum computers running reliably. You'll bring deep expertise in one or more laser/optics domains to our hardest technical problems, set the bar for documentation and technical rigor, and partner closely with physicists, hardware, and software engineers as we scale.

Job Responsibilities

Own alignment, tuning, and troubleshooting of laser and optical systems — diode and fiber lasers/amplifiers, nonlinear optical systems — with minimal supervision

Design, characterize, phase-lock, and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems for new hardware builds and upgrades

Lead technical projects end-to-end: gather requirements, build action plans, and drive prioritization and schedule

Analyze optical test data — plotting, fitting, interpreting — to guide design and troubleshooting decisions

Set the documentation and technical-writing standard for the team, and review the work of other engineers

Partner with experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers, and report progress to the Laser Engineering Manager

Experience & Education

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

5+ years of experience using, maintaining, and independently developing optical, opto-mechanical, and/or laser systems

Required Qualifications

Demonstrated mastery in at least one laser/optics domain (e.g., diode/fiber lasers and amplifiers, nonlinear optical systems, phase-locking), evidenced by concrete project contributions

Track record of leading laser/optical projects independently, from requirements through completion

Experience designing and modeling nonlinear optical or laser/amplifier systems

Strong data analysis skills, and comfort producing and working from engineering documentation (change orders, assembly drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams)

Excellent communicator, able to set the documentation and technical-writing bar for a cross-functional team of physicists and engineers

Preferred Qualifications

Experience mentoring or reviewing the work of junior engineers

Proficiency with Python and Git

Proficiency with Zemax, Onshape, and/or SolidWorks/CAD

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 $150,000 – $175,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.