
Optical Engineer - 971
Broomfield, COJob$102–128K/yrSeen 6 days agoSeen in employer's feed 6 days ago
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Job overview
Quantinuum seeks an Optical Engineer to support R&D in Broomfield, developing optics and integrated photonics technologies for trapped-ion quantum computers. The role builds and improves metrology systems, develops sensitive measurement techniques, and validates optical and photonic devices and production methods. The team works across optical engineering, physics, and opto-mechanical engineering to create, deliver, and measure light for trapped ions.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
Optical Engineer - 971 We are seeking an Optical Engineer to support R&D in our Broomfield, CO Location. Our team develops optics and integrated photonics technologies that enable scaling of our trapped-ion quantum computers from our current 98-qubit Helios system to our future Lumos system with hundreds of thousands of qubits. The data, designs, and expertise from our group inform our next-generation systems, from the overall architecture to the tiniest of details. We are looking for more engineers and scientists to join our cross-disciplinary team. All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test. ### Key Responsibilities: - Build and optimize metrology systems to assemble, characterize, refine, validate, and improve metasurface, micro-optical, and integrated photonic components and systems - Collaborate on a team of optical engineers, physicists, and opto-mechanical engineers to develop new ways to create, deliver, and measure light to trapped ions - Develop and use high-sensitivity measurement techniques and systems to evaluate the optical output of optical and photonic devices - Drive the development and design of metrology systems that validate technologies, methods, alignment, and suppliers to inform roadmaps and production - Document and communicate procedures, results, and conclusions to teammates, collaborators, and stakeholders ### YOU MUST HAVE: - High School Diploma/GED - Minimum 2 years' experience (degree inclusive) optical testing and alignment of components and systems - Minimum 2 years' experience (degree inclusive) building, aligning, debugging, and troubleshooting free-space optical, micro-optical, and/or photonic systems - Minimum 1 year experience (degree inclusive) using python (or related programming language) to control hardware and for data acquisition & analysis - 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: - Associate or bachelor's degree in optics, applied physics, electrical engineering, physical science or instrumentation - Deep understanding of several areas of optics and photonics, and experience applying this knowledge to hands-on projects - Experience in at least 7 of the following areas: - coherent optics utilizing diffractive optics (DOEs) and/or metasurfaces - polarizing optical components and photonics metrology - lasers at several wavelengths from UV to IR - optical modeling software such as Zemax, Code V, etc. - basic use of CAD software such as OnShape, SolidWorks, etc. - test & measurement equipment including optical spectrum analyzers, rf spectrum analyzers, frequency counters, etc. - fiber fusion splicing - precision opto-mechanical assembly - CCD/CMOS cameras and image analysis - fiber array alignment - traceable optical validation setup - Experience working in a laboratory, production, or cleanroom environment with cleanliness and ESD awareness - Experience translating optical designs, specifications, and drawings into alignment and testing setups and verification - Experience working on a team and collaborating across disciplines - Deep curiosity and interest in learning new things Compensation & Benefits: The pay range for this role is $102,000 -- $128,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate's skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role. 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{rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"}. 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. $102,000 - $128,000 a year PI286965247
How this job compares
Set against the 1,332 open Research and Development jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 27, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$102–128K/yr
- Colorado median$105–164K/yr46 salary ranges
- US median$118–175K/yr692 salary ranges
This range's midpoint, $115K, is 15% below the Colorado median midpoint ($135K) — in the middle half of Research and Development salary ranges in Colorado.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 56 open Research and Development jobs in Colorado and 1,332 across the US. 3% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in Colorado
- Agilent Technologies, Inc.12 open
- Quantinuum (this employer)6 open
- Scientific Applicati6 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 2 years of experience — less than three in four Research and Development postings that state a minimum ask for (median 5 years, across 904 postings).
- Education
- This posting asks for a high school diploma; 802 of the 1,332 open Research and Development jobs (60%) ask for a high school diploma or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 27, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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