Principal Manufacturing Quality 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. We are seeking a Principal Manufacturing Quality Engineer to establish the processes, tooling, and quality controls needed for repeatable neutral-atom quantum-computer builds. This role leads design for manufacturability, assembly, test, and serviceability (DfX), while subsystem and system integration teams own build execution. Build the manufacturing engineering and quality team for Atom's new manufacturing organization. You'll help shape designs, processes, and tooling from the start, with the opportunity to see your improvements make quantum hardware easier to assemble, align, test, and service. Responsibilities Lead manufacturing and process engineering, quality, reliability, and machining support; set priorities based on build readiness, technical risks, and recurring production issuesDrive DfX reviews of optical, electronic, and vacuum/mechanical hardware to improve assembly, alignment, inspection, and service accessDevelop and qualify controlled optical cleaning, bonding, precision assembly, and electronic build/test methods with Engineering and the production teamsDesign and qualify assembly, alignment, bonding, and inspection fixtures; direct machining and tooling support for approved manufacturing needsCapture first-of-a-kind learning in work instructions and training, with controlled revisions and qualification of affected personnel before new methods enter productionCollaborate with Manufacturing Quality team to establish inspection, calibration, nonconformance, corrective-action, and releaseLead root-cause analysis of assembly defects, alignment rework, and test failures; use the findings to improve processes and maintainabilityDemonstrate shorter build cycles through simpler assembly, better fixtures, and reduced rework; monitor process readiness, first-pass results, and corrective-action effectiveness Experience & Education BS in manufacturing, mechanical, optical, or electrical engineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant technical experience; advanced degree preferred10+ years in manufacturing or process engineering for precision optical, electromechanical, or scientific equipment, including 3+ years managing technical teamsDemonstrated experience taking engineering prototypes into repeat production through process qualification, fixture development, DfX, and controlled documentationExperience overseeing quality and corrective-action activities; quantum-hardware, photonics, or atomic-instrument manufacturing experience preferred Qualifications Strong DfX judgment for precision optomechanical and electronic hardware, including tolerances, alignment sensitivity, contamination control, and service accessWorking knowledge of optical bonding and alignment, vacuum/mechanical assembly, and electronic production methodsExperience qualifying manufacturing processes, fixtures, measurement methods, and operators for repeatable technical productionKnowledge of first-article inspection, calibration, nonconformance control, root-cause analysis, and effective corrective actionAbility to influence design decisions using build data and lead technical teams while keeping process ownership distinct from production execution Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day! The base salary range for this position is between $170,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.