Optical Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

Within Infleqtion’s Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Staff Optical Engineer to provide to provide deep technical leadership, people management, and hands-on expertise in advanced optical systems for neutral-atom quantum computing.

The successful candidate will independently own complex optical subsystems, working closely with physicists and cross-disciplinary engineering teams to translate experimental requirements into robust, high-performance optical designs. This role is hands-on and laboratory-focused, with responsibility for driving designs from research-grade implementations toward reliable, scalable hardware solutions.

Typically, you will be entrusted with:

• Leading the design, modeling, and validation of complex optical and laser-based subsystems supporting neutral-atom quantum computing platforms.
• Developing and integrating scalable atom addressing and control technologies. This includes but is not limited to digital micromirror devices (DMDs), spatial light modulators (SLMs), acousto-optic deflectors (AODs), electro-optic modulators (EOMs), metasurface-based optics, and fast multi-beam steering architectures.
• Designing and implementing (at a subsystem level) atom-resolved detection and feedback systems using state-of-the-art sensors such as SPAD/EMCCD/sCMOS cameras, and high-speed photodetectors, with consideration for scaling readout bandwidth, latency, and data throughput.
• Collaborating closely with physicists and optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineeringsto support the full experimental and hardware development lifecycle, from early research demonstrations to integrated, scalable systems.
• Leading hands-on laboratory efforts, including optical assembly, precision alignment, debugging, and performance characterization of complex, multi-channel optical systems.
• Developing and maintaining high-fidelity optical models using Zemax (Optic Studio), including tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and performance optimization informed by experimental data and system-level requirements.
• Defining and executing experimental strategies to characterize optical stability, drift, noise sources, and scaling limits, and using those results to inform design tradeoffs.
• Leading the transition within a defined architecture of optical subsystems from research-grade configurations to repeatable, maintainable, and scalable hardware suitable for larger atom counts.
• Providing direct management, technical guidance, and mentorship to optical engineers through design reviews, hands-on coaching, and professional development.
• Establishing and improving best practices for optical design workflows, laboratory procedures, documentation, and version control.
• Supporting technical troubleshooting and cross-functional design reviewsas needed to resolve complex system-level issues.

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant industry experience. Master’s degree or PhD may substitute for some experience.

• Strong experience designing, modeling, and validating laser-based, atomic, or quantum optics systems.

• Hands-on laboratory expertise in precision optical alignment and experimental troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with Zemax (Optic Studio) for optical system design and tolerance analysis.
• Working knowledge of Solid Works sufficient to collaborate on opto-mechanical layouts and interfaces.
• Experience using git or similar version control systems for design artifacts, scripts, or analysis tools.
• Experience mentoring or technically leading engineers in a research or hardware-focused environment.

WE HIGHLY VALUE:

• Background in atomic physics, quantum optics, or photonics research environments.
• Experience working with stability-sensitive optical systems subject to thermal, vibrational, or long-term drift effects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to bridge physics and engineering perspectives.
• A hands-on, detail-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and technical accountability.
• Positive, collaborative working style and enthusiasm for mentoring and developing engineers.

• Salary range: $150,000 to $180,000 per year
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
• Employer-funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) match
• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Savings Account
• Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment
• Equity Package