Senior Optical Engineer

At Infleqtion we solve the world's most challenging problems using cutting-edge quantum technology. Our mission is to commercialize atom-based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in sensing and computing applications. We are proud to work tirelessly to create and lead the quantum ecosystem towards meaningful advancements today and set the technology roadmap for tomorrow.

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.

The successful candidate will serve as an experienced individual contributor, working closely with physicists and cross-disciplinary engineering teams to translate experimental requirements into robust optical designs. This role is hands-on and laboratory-focused, with increasing responsibility for technical execution, problem solving, and informal mentorship of developing engineers.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Typically, you will be entrusted with:

• 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. 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.
• Collaborating closely with physicists and optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to 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 (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.