At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.
We are seeking a Principal Manufacturing Quality Engineer to establish the processes, tooling, and quality controls needed for repeatable neutral-atom quantum-computer builds. This role leads design for manufacturability, assembly, test, and serviceability (DfX), while subsystem and system integration teams own build execution.
Build the manufacturing engineering and quality team for Atom's new manufacturing organization. You'll help shape designs, processes, and tooling from the start, with the opportunity to see your improvements make quantum hardware easier to assemble, align, test, and service.
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Responsibilities
- Lead manufacturing and process engineering, quality, reliability, and machining support; set priorities based on build readiness, technical risks, and recurring production issues.
- Drive DfX reviews of optical, electronic, and vacuum/mechanical hardware to improve assembly, alignment, inspection, and service access.
- Develop and qualify controlled optical cleaning, bonding, precision assembly, and electronic build/test methods with Engineering and the production teams.
- Design and qualify assembly, alignment, bonding, and inspection fixtures; direct machining and tooling support for approved manufacturing needs.
- Capture first-of-a-kind learning in work instructions and training, with controlled revisions and qualification of affected personnel before new methods enter production.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Quality team to establish inspection, calibration, nonconformance, corrective-action, and release
- Lead root-cause analysis of assembly defects, alignment rework, and test failures; use the findings to improve processes and maintainability.
- Demonstrate shorter build cycles through simpler assembly, better fixtures, and reduced rework; monitor process readiness, first-pass results, and corrective-action effectiveness.
Experience & Education
- BS in manufacturing, mechanical, optical, or electrical engineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant technical experience; advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years in manufacturing or process engineering for precision optical, electromechanical, or scientific equipment, including 3+ years managing technical teams.
- Demonstrated experience taking engineering prototypes into repeat production through process qualification, fixture development, DfX, and controlled documentation.
- Experience overseeing quality and corrective-action activities; quantum-hardware, photonics, or atomic-instrument manufacturing experience preferred.
Qualifications
- Strong DfX judgment for precision optomechanical and electronic hardware, including tolerances, alignment sensitivity, contamination control, and service access.
- Working knowledge of optical bonding and alignment, vacuum/mechanical assembly, and electronic production methods.
- Experience qualifying manufacturing processes, fixtures, measurement methods, and operators for repeatable technical production.
- Knowledge of first-article inspection, calibration, nonconformance control, root-cause analysis, and effective corrective action.
- Ability to influence design decisions using build data and lead technical teams while keeping process ownership distinct from production execution.
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$170,000 - $200,000 a year
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Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!
The base salary range for this position is between $170,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.
QUANTUM ROLE CONTEXT | Appended by Quantum.Jobs v2
Role context:
This engineering function exists to transition complex hardware prototypes into structured, repeatable manufacturing operations. Positioned between design engineering groups and assembly execution teams, the role defines standards for manufacturability, assembly, testing, and field maintenance. By establishing rigorous quality frameworks, tooling strategies, and process qualifications, professionals in this capacity ensure physical hardware builds satisfy strict performance specifications. Their oversight bridges early research development with standardized production workflows, mitigating technical risks and reducing assembly defects as complex hardware initiatives scale up operations.
Quantum ecosystem relevance:
As quantum computing technology advances from laboratory experiments to commercial hardware systems, manufacturing quality engineering becomes crucial for infrastructure scaling. Quantum platforms depend on intricate optomechanical, vacuum, and electronic sub-assemblies that require extreme alignment precision and controlled fabrication processes. Professionals in this domain enable the physical commercialization of quantum hardware by standardizing assembly protocols and build verification methods. Their efforts ensure complex quantum processors and support systems achieve high reliability, structural consistency, and long-term operational stability.
Capability signals:
- Leadership in manufacturing process engineering and hardware quality frameworks for complex systems
- Expertise in design for manufacturability, assembly, testing, and serviceability methodologies
- Proficiency in qualifying precision optical, electronic, and mechanical assembly procedures
- Advanced capability in root-cause failure analysis and corrective action implementation
- Track record of transitioning complex scientific prototypes into repeatable standardized production
