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 ResponsibilitiesAlign, tune, and troubleshoot optical and laser systems — including diode- and fiber-based lasers/amplifiers and nonlinear optical systems — to keep quantum computing hardware running reliablyCharacterize, phase-lock, and optimize laser and nonlinear optical systems to improve performance and stabilityDesign and model nonlinear optical and laser/amplifier systems for new hardware builds and system upgradesProvide technical expertise to laser and optical projects across the team, with the goal of maximizing performance and robustnessTake, plot, analyze, fit, and interpret data from optical testing experiments to guide design and troubleshooting decisionsGather project requirements from stakeholders, turn them into action plans, and keep the team on schedule with proper prioritizationCreate and maintain engineering change documentation; work from assembly drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and other written, visual, and oral instructionsCollaborate day-to-day with experimental physicists, hardware engineers, and software engineers to integrate laser systems into the broader quantum computing platformReport progress, risks, and technical findings to the Laser Engineering Manager, and contribute to the team's roadmap for scaling laser systemsExperience & EducationBachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related fieldMinimum 2+ years of experience (advanced degree inclusive) using and maintaining optical, opto-mechanical, and/or laser systemsRequired QualificationsTemperamentally suited to work at a fast-growing startup: self-motivated, humble, driven, collaborative, and comfortable with ambiguityAbility to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of experimental physicists, hardware engineers, and software engineersHands-on experience aligning optical elements in accordance with documented designsExperience 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 systemsExperience with data analysis: taking, plotting, analyzing, fitting, and interpreting data from optical testing experimentsExperience with engineering change documentation; ability to work from assembly drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, sketches, and other written, visual, and oral instructionsPreferred QualificationsFamiliarity with Python and Git software version controlFamiliarity with Zemax, Onshape, and/or SolidWorks/CAD for designing optical and optomechanical systemsAtom 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 companyWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.