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

Salary

$150,000 - $175,000 a year

The base salary range for this position is between $150,000 – $175,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents.
• unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance.
• drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!
• annual bonus and equity in the company.