Principal Opto-Mechanical 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.

Atom Computing is seeking a Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer to help lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems, while also assisting with fixturing, assembly, alignment, test, and integration.

Job Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation opto-mechanical systems, ultra-high vacuum chambers, and mechanical infrastructure from the component level up to the system level.

• Collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to define product requirements and inform the next-generation hardware development lifecycle.

• Partner with physicists and subject matter experts to architect robust mechanical solutions for optical assemblies, ensuring high-precision stability, thermal performance, and alignment integrity.

• Establish and enforce rigorous design standards and best practices for opto-mechanical engineering, including leading critical design reviews, performing advanced tolerance analysis, and driving Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) to ensure scalability.

• Provide high-level technical leadership and oversight for the hands-on assembly, alignment, and system integration of critical opto-mechanical designs.

• Mentor junior team members, generate internal training documentation, and drive technical growth and standardization within the engineering organization.

• Participate in long-term technical program planning, including contributing to roadmap development and resource assessments to ensure alignment with company goals.

• Contribute as a subject matter expert to technical documentation, grant proposals, and IP generation (patents and inventions).

• Oversee external vendor relationships for complex component development, managing the design process and defining key deliverables.

• Troubleshoot complex technical issues across the product lifecycle, both 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 Mechanical Engineering, advanced degree is a plus

• 10+ years opto-mechanical design experience

• 8+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment

Qualifications

• Deep expertise and demonstrated leadership in the design and build of complex opto-mechanical systems

• Proven track record of driving complex technical initiatives from conception through deployment, and the ability to mentor and scale the engineering team's capabilities

• Mastery of SolidWorks, PDM, or equivalent design and data management software

• Strong background with FEA (meshing, modal analysis, thermal analysis, etc.) and corresponding first order analysis

• Deep understanding of material science related to adhesives in an optical environment

• Ability to own and mentor team members in DFMA, tolerancing, drawings to ASME Y14.5M and ISO 10110

• Strong knowledge of first order optics and aberration theory

• Robust history in precision mechanisms and kinematic systems

• Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment

• Excellent communication, listening, and people skills

• 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 $170,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.