Optical Bonding Technician

Atom Computing
Boulder, CO
On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for candidates with hands-on precision optical bonding experience who can work in a collaborative, technically rigorous environment in Boulder, CO.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with hands-on precision optical bonding experience and a background in scientific or technical fields
    — “3+ years of hands-on precision optical bonding or closely related adhesive-based microassembly using controlled procedures.”
  • Individuals who thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment with optical engineers and process engineers
    — “support engineer-led process improvements and follow laboratory and chemical-safety procedures.”
  • Candidates who can work in Boulder, CO, and are early-career professionals or those transitioning into manufacturing
    — “As an early member of Atom's new manufacturing organization, you'll work closely with optical engineers.”

Things to consider

  • This role requires handling delicate optical components and adherence to strict contamination prevention protocols.
    — “Clean and prepare optics and mating surfaces, protecting coatings and preventing contamination or damage during handling.”
  • Candidates must be capable of lifting up to 25 pounds, which may be a physical requirement for some.
    — “Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with microscope-assisted work and controlled curing procedures on your resume.
    — “Experience with optical cleaning, microscope-assisted work, precision dispensing, fixturing, controlled curing, and visual inspection.”
  • Emphasize your ability to document processes accurately and maintain traceability of components and adhesives.
    — “Maintain component and adhesive traceability, completed work records, and inspection results.”
  • Showcase your ability to recognize bond defects and communicate concerns effectively to engineering teams.
    — “Ability to recognize bond defects, movement, or optical surface damage and report concerns before work continues.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Performed precision bonding of optical and optomechanical assemblies
  • Cleaned and prepared optics and mating surfaces
  • Dispensed and cured adhesives
  • Set up bonding fixtures
  • Inspected completed bonds
Typical background
4-year degree in science, applied research, or technology3+ years of hands-on precision optical bonding or related experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Optical BondingPrecision AssemblyOptical CleaningMicroscope-assisted WorkPrecision DispensingFixturingControlled CuringVisual InspectionAdhesive HandlingShelf-life ControlsCuring RecordsContamination PreventionBond Defect RecognitionProcess DocumentationTeamworkLifting And Moving Objects

Preferred

LasersQuantum HardwareScientific InstrumentsMicroassemblyLaboratory ProceduresChemical Safety

Stack & domain

Optical BondingPrecision CraftsmanshipOptical CleaningMicroscope-assisted WorkPrecision DispensingFixturingControlled CuringVisual InspectionAdhesive HandlingShelf-life ControlsCuring RecordsContamination PreventionBond DefectsOptical Surface DamageAssembly DrawingsBonding InstructionsOrientationProtected SurfacesInspection PointsAttention To DetailQuality ControlTeamworkDocumentationProblem-solvingCommunicationQuantum ComputingOptical AssembliesNeutral-atom Quantum Computers

About the role

Original posting from Atom Computing via Lever

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 an Optical Bonding Technician to perform precision bonding of optical and optomechanical assemblies for neutral-atom quantum computers. This hands-on role prepares surfaces, applies and cures adhesives, and inspects completed bonds using approved procedures and engineer-defined alignment references.

Put your precision craftsmanship to work on the optical assemblies inside a quantum computer. As an early member of Atom's new manufacturing organization, you'll work closely with optical engineers and help refine the bonding practices that future builds will rely on.

Responsibilities:

  • Verify components, surface condition, approved materials, and current bonding instructions before beginning an assembly.
  • Clean and prepare optics and mating surfaces, protecting coatings and preventing contamination or damage during handling.
  • Prepare and dispense approved adhesives; maintain material identification, shelf-life controls, and required process records.
  • Set up bonding fixtures and position components with optical engineers, preserving the required alignment and bond geometry.
  • Execute controlled curing procedures and record specified settings while protecting component position and optical cleanliness.
  • Inspect completed bonds for workmanship and visible defects; support post-cure alignment checks and report deviations to Engineering and Quality.
  • Maintain component and adhesive traceability, completed work records, and inspection results; perform rework only under approved instructions.
  • Maintain clean bonding stations, dispensing tools, fixtures, and material storage; support engineer-led process improvements and follow laboratory and chemical-safety procedures.

Experience & Education:

  • Four-year degree in science, applied research, or technology or equivalent certificates/industry experience
  • 3+ years of hands-on precision optical bonding or closely related adhesive-based microassembly using controlled procedures.
  • Experience with optical cleaning, microscope-assisted work, precision dispensing, fixturing, controlled curing, and visual inspection.
  • Experience bonding coated optics or optomechanical assemblies for lasers, quantum hardware, or scientific instruments preferred.

Qualifications:

  • Strong manual precision when handling small optical components, dispensing adhesives, and working with microscopes and assembly fixtures.
  • Ability to read assembly drawings and follow bonding instructions, including orientation, protected surfaces, and inspection points.
  • Practical knowledge of adhesive handling, shelf-life controls, curing records, and contamination prevention.
  • Ability to recognize bond defects, movement, or optical surface damage and report concerns before work continues.
  • Accurate process documentation and effective teamwork with optical engineers, process engineers, and Quality.
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds 

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 $65,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

Source: Atom Computing careers (Lever)

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