{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"4011ea5dc89ec8683abeb59a","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/4011ea5dc89ec8683abeb59a","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/4011ea5dc89ec8683abeb59a","title":"Staff Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)","description":"At Infleqtion we solve the world's most challenging problems using cutting-edge quantum technology. Our mission is to commercialize atom-based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in sensing and computing applications. We are proud to work tirelessly to create and lead the quantum ecosystem towards meaningful advancements today and set the technology roadmap for tomorrow.Position SummaryWithin Infleqtion's Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Staff Optical Engineer to provide deep technical contribution and subsystem-level leadership in advanced optical systems for neutral-atom quantum computing.The successful candidate will independently own complex optical subsystems, working closely with physicists and cross-disciplinary engineering teams to translate experimental requirements into robust, high-performance optical designs. This role is hands-on and laboratory-focused, with responsibility for driving designs from research-grade implementations toward reliable, scalable hardware solutions.Job ResponsibilitiesTypically, you will be entrusted with:Leading the design, modeling, and validation of complex optical and laser-based subsystems supporting neutral-atom quantum computing platformsDeveloping and integrating scalable atom addressing and control technologies. This includes but is not limited to digital micromirror devices (DMDs), spatial light modulators (SLMs), acousto-optic deflectors (AODs), electro-optic modulators (EOMs), metasurface-based optics, and fast multi-beam steering architecturesDesigning and implementing (at a subsystem level) atom-resolved detection and feedback systems using state-of-the-art sensors such as SPAD/EMCCD/sCMOS cameras, and high-speed photodetectors, with consideration for scaling readout bandwidth, latency, and data throughputCollaborating closely with physicists and optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to support the full experimental and hardware development lifecycle, from early research demonstrations to integrated, scalable systemsLeading hands-on laboratory efforts, including optical assembly, precision alignment, debugging, and performance characterization of complex, multi-channel optical systemsDeveloping and maintaining high-fidelity optical models using Zemax (OpticStudio), including tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and performance optimization informed by experimental data and system-level requirementsDefining and executing experimental strategies to characterize optical stability, drift, noise sources, and scaling limits, and using those results to inform design tradeoffsLeading the transition within a defined architecture of optical subsystems from research-grade configurations to repeatable, maintainable, and scalable hardware suitable for larger atom countsProviding technical guidance, and mentorship to optical engineers through design reviews, hands-on coaching, and identifying professional development opportunitiesEstablishing and improving best practices for optical design workflows, laboratory procedures, documentation, and version controlSupporting technical troubleshooting and cross-functional design reviews as needed to resolve complex system-level issuesRequirementsBachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant industry experience. A Master's degree or PhD are preferred and may be counted towards experience requirementStrong experience designing, modeling, and validating laser-based, atomic, or quantum optics systemsHands-on laboratory expertise in precision optical alignment and experimental troubleshootingProficiency with Zemax (OpticStudio) for optical system design and tolerance analysisWorking knowledge of SolidWorks sufficient to collaborate on opto-mechanical layouts and interfacesExperience using git or similar version control systems for design artifacts, scripts, or analysis toolsExperience mentoring or technically leading engineers in a research or hardware-focused environmentWE HIGHLY VALUE:Background in atomic physics, quantum optics, or photonics research environmentsExperience working with stability-sensitive optical systems subject to thermal, vibrational, or long-term drift effectsStrong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to bridge physics and engineering perspectivesA hands-on, detail-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and technical accountabilityPositive, collaborative working style and enthusiasm for mentoring and developing engineersNOTEJob responsibilities and requirements are illustrative, other responsibilities may be assigned as neededThis position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export licenseTRAVELUp to 10% travel may be required.WORKING CONDITIONS And PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSWork will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. Able to sit, stand, bend, lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance. Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in-person). Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements.BenefitsSalary range: $175,000 to $220,000 per year100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability Employer-funded Health Savings Account Unlimited PTO 401(k) match Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance Flexible Savings Account Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave Employee Assistance Program Student Loan Repayment Equity PackageNotice to Recruitment Agencies:Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.","company":"Infleqtion","rawCompany":"infleqtion","city":"Boulder","state":"CO","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-01T09:02:02.303Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2199.07","title":"Photonics Engineers","slug":"photonics-engineers"},{"code":"19-2012.00","title":"Physicists","slug":"physicists"},{"code":"17-2072.00","title":"Electronics Engineers, Except Computer","slug":"electronics-engineers-except-computer"}],"industries":[{"code":"334413","title":"Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing","slug":"semiconductor-and-related-device-manufacturing"},{"code":"541715","title":"Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)","slug":"research-and-development-in-the-physical-engineering-and-life-sciences-except-nanotechnology-and-biotechnology"},{"code":"334511","title":"Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing","slug":"search-detection-navigation-guidance-aeronautical-and-nautical-system-and-instrument-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Staff Optical Engineer (Quantum Computing)","description":"At Infleqtion we solve the world's most challenging problems using cutting-edge quantum technology. Our mission is to commercialize atom-based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in sensing and computing applications. We are proud to work tirelessly to create and lead the quantum ecosystem towards meaningful advancements today and set the technology roadmap for tomorrow.Position SummaryWithin Infleqtion's Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Staff Optical Engineer to provide deep technical contribution and subsystem-level leadership in advanced optical systems for neutral-atom quantum computing.The successful candidate will independently own complex optical subsystems, working closely with physicists and cross-disciplinary engineering teams to translate experimental requirements into robust, high-performance optical designs. This role is hands-on and laboratory-focused, with responsibility for driving designs from research-grade implementations toward reliable, scalable hardware solutions.Job ResponsibilitiesTypically, you will be entrusted with:Leading the design, modeling, and validation of complex optical and laser-based subsystems supporting neutral-atom quantum computing platformsDeveloping and integrating scalable atom addressing and control technologies. This includes but is not limited to digital micromirror devices (DMDs), spatial light modulators (SLMs), acousto-optic deflectors (AODs), electro-optic modulators (EOMs), metasurface-based optics, and fast multi-beam steering architecturesDesigning and implementing (at a subsystem level) atom-resolved detection and feedback systems using state-of-the-art sensors such as SPAD/EMCCD/sCMOS cameras, and high-speed photodetectors, with consideration for scaling readout bandwidth, latency, and data throughputCollaborating closely with physicists and optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to support the full experimental and hardware development lifecycle, from early research demonstrations to integrated, scalable systemsLeading hands-on laboratory efforts, including optical assembly, precision alignment, debugging, and performance characterization of complex, multi-channel optical systemsDeveloping and maintaining high-fidelity optical models using Zemax (OpticStudio), including tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and performance optimization informed by experimental data and system-level requirementsDefining and executing experimental strategies to characterize optical stability, drift, noise sources, and scaling limits, and using those results to inform design tradeoffsLeading the transition within a defined architecture of optical subsystems from research-grade configurations to repeatable, maintainable, and scalable hardware suitable for larger atom countsProviding technical guidance, and mentorship to optical engineers through design reviews, hands-on coaching, and identifying professional development opportunitiesEstablishing and improving best practices for optical design workflows, laboratory procedures, documentation, and version controlSupporting technical troubleshooting and cross-functional design reviews as needed to resolve complex system-level issuesRequirementsBachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant industry experience. A Master's degree or PhD are preferred and may be counted towards experience requirementStrong experience designing, modeling, and validating laser-based, atomic, or quantum optics systemsHands-on laboratory expertise in precision optical alignment and experimental troubleshootingProficiency with Zemax (OpticStudio) for optical system design and tolerance analysisWorking knowledge of SolidWorks sufficient to collaborate on opto-mechanical layouts and interfacesExperience using git or similar version control systems for design artifacts, scripts, or analysis toolsExperience mentoring or technically leading engineers in a research or hardware-focused environmentWE HIGHLY VALUE:Background in atomic physics, quantum optics, or photonics research environmentsExperience working with stability-sensitive optical systems subject to thermal, vibrational, or long-term drift effectsStrong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to bridge physics and engineering perspectivesA hands-on, detail-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and technical accountabilityPositive, collaborative working style and enthusiasm for mentoring and developing engineersNOTEJob responsibilities and requirements are illustrative, other responsibilities may be assigned as neededThis position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export licenseTRAVELUp to 10% travel may be required.WORKING CONDITIONS And PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSWork will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. Able to sit, stand, bend, lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance. Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in-person). Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements.BenefitsSalary range: $175,000 to $220,000 per year100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability Employer-funded Health Savings Account Unlimited PTO 401(k) match Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance Flexible Savings Account Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave Employee Assistance Program Student Loan Repayment Equity PackageNotice to Recruitment Agencies:Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.","datePosted":"2026-08-01T09:02:02.303Z","dateModified":"2026-08-01T09:02:02.303Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Infleqtion","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Boulder","addressRegion":"CO","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"4011ea5dc89ec8683abeb59a"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/4011ea5dc89ec8683abeb59a"}}