Job Description
We are seeking an Optics Engineer II in our Broomfield, CO location to join our engineering and manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, assembling, aligning, integrating, characterizing, and testing advanced optical systems used in Quantinuum's quantum computers. This role supports research and development, new product introduction, prototype builds, optical characterization, system integration, documentation development, and production readiness activities. You will ensure that optical systems meet technical specifications, performance requirements, quality standards, and long-term operational reliability. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical system design and integration, laser characterization, optical metrology, precision alignment, opto-mechanical assembly, and engineering problem solving.
All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, build, assemble, align, characterize, and validate complex, high-precision optical subassemblies and optical systems.
- Integrate prototype and proof-of-concept systems involving lasers, optics, fiber optics, photodetectors, photomultiplier tubes and SPAD arrays.
- Perform optical characterization and metrology, including measurements of optical power, phase, frequency, polarization, stability, and frequency noise.
- Troubleshoot optical and opto electronic systems, perform root cause failure analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve product performance and manufacturing readiness.
- Develop, execute, and document optical test plans, characterization procedures, engineering work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Collect, analyze, graph, interpret, and present experimental and production data to support engineering decisions and design improvements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, validate, and transition new optical technologies into production.
- Support prototype development, sustaining engineering activities, engineering change implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Mentor technicians by providing technical guidance on optical alignment, testing, troubleshooting, and laboratory best practices.
- Maintain detailed engineering documentation, test reports, design records, and engineering change documentation in accordance with production standards.
- Follow laboratory safety procedures, equipment guidelines, and quality standards during all engineering activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
YOU MUST HAVE:
- Bachelor's degree required
- 2+ years of experience in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
- Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or green card holder, or worker granted asylum or refugee status.
- Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.
WE VALUE:
- Strong knowledge of optical and electrical laboratory equipment, including lasers, fiber optic components, acousto-optic and electro-optic modulators, precision optical instrumentation, spectrum analyzers, phase noise analyzers, frequency counters, and related test equipment.
- Experience designing, integrating, aligning, characterizing, and testing free-space and fiber-coupled optical or electro-optical systems, including optical subassemblies, fiber fusion splicing, optical fiber handling, and precision opto-mechanical assembly, with demonstrated ability to support reliable long-term system operation.
- Hands-on experience designing, integrating, aligning, characterizing, and testing optical and laser systems in laboratory or manufacturing environments.
- Experience using optical design and mechanical CAD software such as Zemax, SolidWorks, or equivalent engineering tools.
- Experience creating and maintaining engineering documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), test plans, engineering change documentation, configuration management records, and working from engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly documentation.
- Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams and technicians to support research and development, prototype builds, manufacturing readiness, sustaining engineering, root cause investigations, design verification, and continuous process improvements.
- Experience with high-sensitivity photodetection, including the use of PMT and SPAD arrays.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, presentation, and technical documentation skills, with the ability to manage multiple technical priorities in a fast-paced research and manufacturing environment.
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 650 employees, including 400+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
By uniting best-in-class software with high-fidelity hardware, our integrated full-stack approach is accelerating the path to practical quantum computing and scaling its impact across multiple industries.
By joining Quantinuum, you’ll be at the forefront of this transformative revolution, shaping the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.
What’s in it for you?
A competitive salary and innovative, game-changing work
Flexible work schedule
Employer subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) match for student loan repayment benefit
Equity, 401k retirement savings plan + 12 Paid holidays and generous vacation + sick time
Paid parental leave
Employee discounts
Quantinuum is an equal opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status. Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, there is no application deadline for this position.