Lead Optics Engineer

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

We are seeking a Lead Optics Engineer in our Broomfield, CO location with experience building complex trapped atom or ion systems or photonics technologies that enable trapped-ion quantum computers. You will work with a team on concepts for large scale quantum computers and communicate trade studies and design ideas to technical, leadership, and external team members. You should have excellent technical writing and collaboration skills as you will prepare external facing documents and work cross functionally between hardware, QEC/Theory, and applications teams. All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

Key Responsibilities:

• Communicate the enabling technologies required for next generation systems and develop roadmaps to achieve those technologies
• Plan, prioritize, and advise on R&D path for building future quantum computers
• Collaborate with a cross-functional team to architect, design, and develop subsystems for next generation of quantum computers
• Track external and internal technology development and state-of-the-art results to feedforward and update R&D plans
• Lead development and design projects with suppliers
• Communicate technological progress to internal and external stakeholders

YOU MUST HAVE:

• PhD degree minimum or completed prior to start date
• Minimum 7+ years’ experience (PhD inclusive) involving one or more of the following areas: qubits, atomic physics, optics, lasers, photonic integrated circuits, vacuum systems, electronics, or cryogenics
• Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers 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:

• PhD in Physics, Optics, Engineering or a related field preferred
• Demonstrated professional experience leading R&D engineering efforts to mature low TRL applied physics or experimental physics research programs into commercially viable products
• Experience in quantum computing with a focus on trapped-ion technologies a plus
• Strong scientific communication and technical writing skills
• Strong organizational and collaboration skills

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.