Senior System Integration & Test Engineer

Atom Computing
Boulder, CO
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aimed at experienced engineers with optical and laser integration expertise who thrive in collaborative, hands-on environments.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 5+ years of optical system integration and alignment experience in AMO or quantum computing labs
    — “5+ years of hands-on integration and alignment of precision laser, optical, or atomic-physics systems”
  • Individuals who can translate technical documentation into actionable system configuration records
    — “Ability to interpret optical layouts, mechanical references, electrical connections, and interface-control documentation across subsystem boundaries”
  • Engineers with a background in neutral-atom hardware and its alignment implications
    — “Working understanding of neutral-atom hardware functions such as trapping, optical addressing, and imaging, and their implications for system alignment”

Things to consider

  • The role demands meticulous documentation of alignment and configuration records for handoff to quantum engineers
    — “Record alignment measurements, system configuration, completed work, and open issues in the SI&T handoff package”
  • Candidates must be prepared to maintain strict laser safety protocols in a lab environment
    — “maintain safe laser-laboratory practices throughout integration”

How to stand out

  • Highlight fiber coupling and free-space alignment projects in your resume and interview stories
    — “Strong hands-on free-space alignment, fiber coupling, polarization control, and end-to-end optical troubleshooting skills”
  • Emphasize experience with optical power meters and beam cameras in system diagnostics
    — “Experience with optical power meters, beam cameras, and related diagnostics”
  • Showcase your ability to work alongside experimental physicists on integration tasks
    — “collaboration with experimental physicists”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

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

What success looks like

  • system-level checkout without atoms
  • alignment and configuration records for Quantum Engineers
Typical background
Bachelors in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field

Skills & requirements

Required

Optical EngineeringLaser AlignmentFree-space AlignmentFiber CouplingPolarization ControlOptical TroubleshootingNeutral-atom Hardware FunctionsOptical LayoutsMechanical ReferencesElectrical ConnectionsInterface-control Documentation

Preferred

Rf/control InterfacesLaboratory Scripting

Stack & domain

Free-space AlignmentFiber CouplingPolarization ControlEnd-to-end Optical TroubleshootingNeutral-atom Hardware FunctionsOptical LayoutsMechanical ReferencesElectrical ConnectionsInterface-control DocumentationOptical Power MetersBeam CamerasRf/control InterfacesLaboratory ScriptingLeadershipCommunicationQuantum ComputingAtomic Physics

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 a Senior System Integration & Test Engineer to integrate verified subsystems and align the complete optical system of neutral-atom quantum computers. This hands-on role performs system-level checkout without atoms, delivering the alignment and configuration records Quantum Engineers (QEs) need to begin atom-based testing.

Responsibilities:

  • Install released optical, laser-delivery, mechanical, and electronic assemblies; verify mounting, connections, and interfaces against the approved system configuration.
  • Align optical paths between subsystems, including beam-delivery and imaging interfaces; establish specified beam geometry, polarization, and coupling without atoms.
  • Connect fibers and radio-frequency (RF)/control cabling while preserving cleanliness and mechanical stability; coordinate laser-delivery and control-channel checks with specialists.
  • Measure system optical throughput, beam quality, and alignment stability using approved diagnostics and metrology; compare results against QE-approved handoff criteria.
  • Diagnose cross-subsystem alignment and interface problems with laser, controls, and subsystem engineers; isolate the cause and implement only approved corrections.
  • Complete assigned controls, safety, and readiness checks; maintain safe laser-laboratory practices throughout integration.
  • Record alignment measurements, system configuration, completed work, and open issues in the SI&T handoff package.
  • Work alongside QEs during first-of-a-kind integration to capture installation sequences, alignment references, and diagnostic methods for repeat builds.
  • Support hardware corrections during QE testing while preserving the approved configuration; QEs retain circuit validation and technical acceptance.
  • Improve integration instructions and alignment methods alongside Manufacturing Engineering.

Experience & Education:

  • Bachelors in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent integration experience; MS preferred
  • 5+ years of hands-on integration and alignment of precision laser, optical, or atomic-physics systems involving multiple interacting subsystems
  • Experience establishing complete-system readiness from optical measurements, interface checkout, fault isolation, and controlled configuration records.
  • Experience integrating quantum-computing or atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) laboratory hardware preferred, including collaboration with experimental physicists.

Qualifications:

  • Strong hands-on free-space alignment, fiber coupling, polarization control, and end-to-end optical troubleshooting skills.
  • Working understanding of neutral-atom hardware functions such as trapping, optical addressing, and imaging, and their implications for system alignment.
  • Ability to interpret optical layouts, mechanical references, electrical connections, and interface-control documentation across subsystem boundaries.
  • Experience with optical power meters, beam cameras, and related diagnostics; familiarity with RF/control interfaces and laboratory scripting preferred.
  • Precise alignment and checkout records, safe laser-laboratory practices, and clear communication with quantum physicists and specialist integration engineers.

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.

Source: Atom Computing careers (Lever)

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