Atom ComputingEngineeringOptical Engineer - Lens Designer
- Boulder, CO
- On-site · Full-time
- $150K – $175K
- Posted Nov 6, 2026
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 an Optical Engineer specializing in Lens Design to create custom, high-performance optical systems from the ground up. In this role, you will own the complete optical design lifecycle—from initial concept and ray-tracing to tolerancing, finalizing optical prescriptions, and working directly with fabrication vendors to bring custom lenses for our quantum computer to life.
Job Responsibilities
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Design, build, and test lens assemblies and systems for fiber collimation, laser delivery, imaging systems.
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Research and develop novel lens and mirror systems for laser delivery and imaging systems.
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Perform analysis on aberration correction, athermalization, and chromatic performance to balance competing system requirements
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Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis
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Develop alignment procedures for optical designs
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Generate rigorous optical fabrication drawings and specifications (e.g., ISO 10110 standards) for custom lens components and assemblies.
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Collaborate directly with custom optics foundries and coating vendors to ensure manufacturability (DFM) and oversee the procurement of custom optical elements.
Experience & Education
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Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences or Optical Engineering, advanced degree a plus
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5+ years optical design experience
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2+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
Qualifications
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Experience with Fourier Optics, flat field relay optical systems, and telecentric imaging
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Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems
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Experience with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
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Expertise in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) for precision optics
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Fluency in optical drawing standards (ISO 10110).
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Experience with lens tolerancing in ray-tracing software
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Experience with STOP analysis
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Experience with stray light analysis
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Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software
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High attention-to-detail and accuracy
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Creative, critical thinking with ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment
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Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment
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Excellent communication, listening and people skills
About Atom Computing
Atom Computing builds highly scalable, gate-based quantum computers with arrays of optically-trapped neutral atoms, which will empower unprecedented breakthroughs.
