Senior Optical Engineer
Position Summary
Within Infleqtion's Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to independently design, implement, and validate complex optical subsystems for neutral-atom quantum computing platforms.
Job Responsibilities
Designing, modeling, and validating of optical and laser-based subsystems for neutral-atom quantum computing platforms
Integrating and testing scalable atom addressing and control technologies, including DMDs, SLMs, AODs, EOMs, metasurface-based optics, and fast multi-beam steering architectures
Collaborating closely with physicists and optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to support the full experimental and hardware development lifecycle
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 (OpticStudio), including tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and performance optimization informed by experimental data and system-level requirements
Executing on the transition within a defined architecture of optical subsystems from research-grade configurations to commercial ready, repeatable, maintainable, and scalable hardware
Providing technical guidance and informal mentorship to optical engineers through design reviews and hands-on coaching
Establishing and improving best practices for optical design workflows, laboratory procedures, documentation, and version control
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field with at least 4 years of relevant experience. A Master's degree or Ph.D. is preferred.
Strong foundation in geometrical, Fourier, and physical optics, including Gaussian beam propagation, thin-lens imaging, optical relays, telescopes/beam expanders, imaging systems, microscope optics, diffraction, polarization, and spatial filtering
Proficiency with Zemax (OpticStudio) for optical system design, sequential modeling, aberration analysis, PSF/MTF analysis, optimization and tolerancing
Proficiency in Python for Zemax automation and data analysis
Working knowledge of SolidWorks sufficient to collaborate on opto-mechanical layouts and design reviews
Experience designing, modeling, and validating laser-based optics systems for microscopy, lithography, atomic physics, or quantum applications
Experience with spatial light modulators (SLMs), including optical setup, calibration, beam shaping or pattern generation, and integration into laser-based or quantum optics systems
Experience designing and analyzing beam-delivery and imaging systems, including Gaussian beam and fiber mode-field modeling, fiber coupling, apodization, point-spread-function analysis, modulation-transfer-function analysis, Fourier optics, and 4-f optical systems
Hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting common optical components and modulators, including filters, optical fibers, polarizers, waveplates, diffraction gratings, AOMs/AODs, EOMs, and SLMs
Working knowledge of laboratory electronics and instrumentation used in optical experiments, including photodetectors, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, amplifiers, and electronic filters
Hands-on laboratory expertise in precision optical alignment and experimental troubleshooting
Experience using Git or similar version control systems for design artifacts, scripts, or analysis tools