Infleqtion · 22 hours ago
Staff Optical Engineer
Louisville, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$150K/yr - $180K/yr
6+ years expInfleqtion is a company dedicated to solving challenging problems with quantum technology. They are seeking a Staff Optical Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced optical systems for neutral-atom quantum computing, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure robust and high-performance designs.
ElectronicsManufacturingMechanical DesignMechanical EngineeringQuantum Computing
Responsibilities
Leading the design, modeling, and validation of complex optical and laser-based subsystems supporting neutral-atom quantum computing platforms
Developing and integrating scalable atom addressing and control technologies. This includes but is not limited to digital micromirror devices (DMDs), spatial light modulators (SLMs), acousto-optic deflectors (AODs), electro-optic modulators (EOMs), metasurface-based optics, and fast multi-beam steering architectures
Designing and implementing (at a subsystem level) atom-resolved detection and feedback systems using state-of-the-art sensors such as SPAD/EMCCD/sCMOS cameras, and high-speed photodetectors, with consideration for scaling readout bandwidth, latency, and data throughput
Collaborating closely with physicists and optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers to support the full experimental and hardware development lifecycle, from early research demonstrations to integrated, scalable systems
Leading hands-on laboratory efforts, including optical assembly, precision alignment, debugging, and performance characterization of complex, multi-channel optical systems
Developing and maintaining high-fidelity optical models using Zemax (OpticStudio), including tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and performance optimization informed by experimental data and system-level requirements
Defining and executing experimental strategies to characterize optical stability, drift, noise sources, and scaling limits, and using those results to inform design tradeoffs
Leading the transition within a defined architecture of optical subsystems from research-grade configurations to repeatable, maintainable, and scalable hardware suitable for larger atom counts
Providing direct management, technical guidance, and mentorship to optical engineers through design reviews, hands-on coaching, and professional development
Establishing and improving best practices for optical design workflows, laboratory procedures, documentation, and version control
Supporting technical troubleshooting and cross-functional design reviews as needed to resolve complex system-level issues
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant industry experience. Master's degree or PhD may substitute for some experience
Strong experience designing, modeling, and validating laser-based, atomic, or quantum optics systems
Hands-on laboratory expertise in precision optical alignment and experimental troubleshooting
Proficiency with Zemax (OpticStudio) for optical system design and tolerance analysis
Working knowledge of SolidWorks sufficient to collaborate on opto-mechanical layouts and interfaces
Experience using git or similar version control systems for design artifacts, scripts, or analysis tools
Experience mentoring or technically leading engineers in a research or hardware-focused environment
Preferred
Background in atomic physics, quantum optics, or photonics research environments
Experience working with stability-sensitive optical systems subject to thermal, vibrational, or long-term drift effects
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to bridge physics and engineering perspectives
A hands-on, detail-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and technical accountability
Positive, collaborative working style and enthusiasm for mentoring and developing engineers
Benefits
100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
Employer-funded Health Savings Account
Unlimited PTO
401(k) match
Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
Flexible Savings Account
Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
Employee Assistance Program
Student Loan Repayment
Equity Package
Company
Infleqtion
Infleqtion is a quantum information company that develops software-configured and quantum-enabled products.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$307.83MKey Investors
U.S. Department of DefenseUK Research and InnovationUS Department of Energy
2025-09-08Acquired
2025-06-02Series C· $100M
2024-12-02Grant· $11M
Leadership Team
Matthew Kinsella
Chief Executive Officer
Alok Gupta
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-01-07
Sherwood News
2026-01-07
Company data provided by crunchbase