Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Job description

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