Optical Engineer - Lens Designer

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

Design, build, and test lens assemblies and systems for fiber collimation, laser delivery, imaging systems. 

Research and develop novel lens and mirror systems for laser delivery and imaging systems. 

Perform analysis on aberration correction, athermalization, and chromatic performance to balance competing system requirements

Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis

Develop alignment procedures for optical designs

Generate rigorous optical fabrication drawings and specifications (e.g., ISO 10110 standards) for custom lens components and assemblies.

Collaborate directly with custom optics foundries and coating vendors to ensure manufacturability (DFM) and oversee the procurement of custom optical elements.

Experience & Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences or Optical Engineering, advanced degree a plus

5+ years optical design experience

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

Qualifications

Experience with Fourier Optics, flat field relay optical systems, and telecentric imaging

Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems

Experience with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software

Expertise in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) for precision optics

Fluency in optical drawing standards (ISO 10110).

Experience with lens tolerancing in ray-tracing software

Experience with STOP analysis

Experience with stray light analysis

Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software 

High attention-to-detail and accuracy

Creative, critical thinking with ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment

Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment

Excellent communication, listening and people skills