Principal Subsystem Build & Test Engineer

We are seeking a Principal Subsystem Build & Test Engineer to lead the build, test, and delivery of optical, vacuum/mechanical, and electronic subsystems for neutral-atom quantum computers. As technical leadership you will be responsible for establishing the practices and procedures necessary to bring a first-of-a-kind development through repeatable production.

You are a role model and educate manufacturing org on best practices for engineers and technicians responsible for building and verifying electro-optical subsystems necessary to productionize our novel quantum computer. As part of Atom’s new manufacturing organization, you’ll shape the team’s capabilities, build methods, and culture from the start, while staying directly involved in the hardware.

Responsibilities

• Lead the build, integration, and testing of optical, vacuum/mechanical, RF, electronic, and cable assemblies.
• Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians.
• Partner with Engineering on first-of-a-kind builds and translate designs into practical assembly and test methods.
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to establish repeatable build processes, work instructions, fixtures, and test procedures.
• Provide hands-on technical direction for optical alignment, precision assembly, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Diagnose build and test failures and work with Engineering to identify design, process, material, or workmanship issues.
• Ensure required materials, documentation, qualified personnel, and calibrated equipment are available before builds begin.
• Maintain accurate build, inspection, and test records and release verified subsystems to System Integration & Test (SI&T).
• Track build progress, first-pass acceptance, rework, and cycle time and use repeat-build findings to improve processes and fixtures.
• Oversee approved subsystem measurements and acceptance tests, including optical characterization, electronic checkout, and applicable mechanical or vacuum verification.
• Collaborate with leadership to plan personnel, workspace, fixtures, and shared equipment across parallel build efforts., Lead and execute spacecraft assembly, integration, and test campaigns; define AI&T strategies and test flows; mentor engineers and technicians; manage GSE, facilities, cost/schedule estimates, and proposal input; ensure rigorous verification in cleanroom and lab environments while tracking performance metrics and reducing risk. Top Skills: Cleanroom EnvironmentsElectrical Ground Support Equipment (Gse)MS OfficeSimulatorsSoftware Test BenchesSoftware TestingSpacecraft Command And Control Systems Vertafore, Leads the professional services practice delivering customer software implementations and managed services. Oversees project timelines, budgets, customer satisfaction, financial performance, staffing, recruitment, team development, sales estimation, capacity planning, and strategic client engagements. Collaborates with Sales, Customer Support, Product Management, and Development to ensure successful implementation and market adoption. Requires extensive software implementation and client relationship experience, API integration knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple complex programs and teams. Top Skills: APIsProfessional Services Automation SoftwareProject Management SoftwareSalesforce

What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene

With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

Key Facts About Colorado Tech

• Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
• Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
• Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
• Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
• Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
• Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

• BS in Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience. Advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience building, integrating, testing, or developing precision optical, scientific, or similarly complex hardware.
• 3+ years of experience mentoring engineers and technicians in an integration, manufacturing, or test environment., * Extensive hands-on experience assembling, aligning, integrating, and testing precision optical systems.
• Experience working with electronic/RF, vacuum, mechanical, or electromechanical subsystems.
• Experience taking first-of-a-kind hardware through build, test, troubleshooting, and transition into repeatable production.
• Practical knowledge of optical assembly, alignment, cleanliness, bonding coordination, and the measurements used to verify precision optical subsystems.
• Working knowledge of electronic and RF assembly, chassis and cable checkout, and vacuum and mechanical build requirements.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to distinguish design issues from process, material, equipment, and workmanship problems.
• Experience working with released drawings, work instructions, inspection criteria, test procedures, calibrated equipment, and nonconformance processes.
• Desire to coach engineers and technicians and distinguish process problems from design issues.
• Experience with quantum computing, atomic physics, advanced photonics, aerospace, semiconductor, scientific instrumentation, or similarly complex hardware preferred.
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.

Be an Early Applicant In-Office Boulder, CO, USA 185K-210K Annually Senior level In-Office Boulder, CO, USA 185K-210K Annually Senior level Leads the build, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and production transition of optical, vacuum, mechanical, RF, electronic, and cable subsystems for neutral-atom quantum computers. Establishes repeatable manufacturing processes, work instructions, fixtures, test procedures, quality records, and acceptance criteria. Manages and mentors multidisciplinary engineering and technician teams while partnering with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Quality to resolve design, process, material, and workmanship issues. The summary above was generated by AI