Lead Optics Engineer

Compensation: 164,000 – 185,000 USD per year

We are seeking a Lead Optics Engineer in our Broomfield, CO location to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design and validation of optical subassemblies used in Quantinuum's quantum computers. You will also be responsible for research and development, new product introduction, prototype builds, optical characterization, system integration, documentation development, and production readiness activities. You will mentor and guide junior engineers, setting priorities and ensuring 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 Responsibilties:

• Lead a team of optical engineers supporting the development of commercial and research subsystems for quantum computing.
• Gather project requirements, turn them into action plans, and ensure the team completes tasks on time, with proper prioritization.
• Mentor team members on technical and scientific topics.
• Provide technical expertise for laser and optical projects with the goal of maximizing performance, scalability, and robustness.
• Support prototype development, sustaining engineering activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Integrate complex, high precision optical sub-assemblies into higher level systems and maintain them.
• Develop, execute, and document optical test plans, characterization procedures, engineering work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain detailed engineering documentation, test reports, design records, and engineering change documentation in accordance with production standards.
• Collaborate with Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering teams and Scientists to develop, validate, and transition new optical technologies into production.
• Travel up to 25%
• Perform other duties as assigned

YOU MUST HAVE:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Minimum 10+ years’ experience (advanced degree inclusive) using and maintaining optical, opto-mechanical and/or laser systems.
• 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:

• Ph.D. or Masters in Optics, Physics, Applied Physics, or related field preferred.
• Experience leading a team of engineers to complete well-defined projects as well as broader research initiatives.
• Hands-on experience designing, integrating, aligning, characterizing, and testing optical and laser systems in laboratory or manufacturing environments.
• 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.
• Proven ability to mentor, develop, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Broad understanding of optical principles and practices and intimate knowledge and experience applying this knowledge to projects.
• Experience characterizing, stabilizing, and servicing diode, fiber, and/or Ti:Sapphire lasers.
• Experience with Zemax and/or Solidworks/CAD for designing optical and optomechanical systems.
• 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 data analysis (taking, plotting, analyzing, fitting and interpreting relevant data from optical testing experiments).
• 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.

Quantinuum is a leading quantum computing company delivering a full stack platform designed to make quantum computing deployable in real-world environments. With active engagements spanning pharmaceuticals, material science, financial services, government, industrial sectors, and leading academic and research institutions worldwide, we are helping organizations unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing.

Our global team of more than 800 employees includes many of the world's leading scientists, engineers, and researchers, with more than 70% of our technology team holding advanced degrees at the Master's or PhD level. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Quantinuum operates across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Singapore.

By joining Quantinuum, you’ll help shape the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.

What’s in it for you?

We believe our people are our greatest strength and offer a comprehensive rewards package that supports your professional growth, well-being, and long-term success.

• Competitive compensation and the opportunity to work on groundbreaking technology
• Flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance
• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match and student loan repayment benefit
• Equity opportunities
• Generous paid time off, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually
• Paid parental leave
• Employee discount programs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Quantinuum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and provided equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, ancestry, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal. For more information about Quantinuum, please visit our website.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know use the Lets talk contact form.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, there is no application deadline for this position.