About the job
Join Infleqtion, where we tackle the globe's most pressing challenges through state-of-the-art quantum technology. Our mission is to advance atom-based quantum products that significantly enhance sensing and computing capabilities. We are committed to leading the quantum ecosystem towards impactful innovations today while shaping the technological landscape for the future.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are currently seeking a Staff Optical Engineer for our Quantum Computing Product Group within Infleqtion's Hardware Engineering Team. This role demands profound technical leadership, adept people management, and hands-on expertise in advanced optical systems tailored for neutral-atom quantum computing.
The ideal candidate will independently manage intricate optical subsystems, collaborating closely with physicists and multidisciplinary engineering teams to convert experimental requirements into reliable, high-performance optical designs. This role is heavily hands-on and laboratory-oriented, with the responsibility of evolving research-grade implementations into dependable, scalable hardware solutions.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the design, modeling, and validation of sophisticated optical and laser-based subsystems that underpin neutral-atom quantum computing platforms.
- Develop and integrate scalable atom addressing and control technologies, including digital micromirror devices (DMDs), spatial light modulators (SLMs), acousto-optic deflectors (AODs), electro-optic modulators (EOMs), metasurface optics, and advanced multi-beam steering architectures.
- Design and implement atom-resolved detection and feedback systems utilizing cutting-edge sensors such as SPAD/EMCCD/sCMOS cameras and high-speed photodetectors, ensuring optimal scaling for readout bandwidth, latency, and data throughput.
- Work collaboratively with physicists, along with optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers, supporting the entire experimental and hardware development lifecycle, from initial research demonstrations to integrated, scalable solutions.
- Lead hands-on laboratory initiatives, including optical assembly, precision alignment, debugging, and performance characterization of complex, multi-channel optical systems.
- Create and maintain high-fidelity optical models using Zemax (OpticStudio), incorporating tolerance analysis, sensitivity studies, and performance optimization driven by experimental data and system-level requirements.
- Define and execute experimental strategies to assess optical stability, drift, noise sources, and scaling limits, employing these findings to inform design decisions.
- Oversee the transition of optical subsystems from research-grade setups to consistent, maintainable, and scalable configurations.

