R&D Lasers and Optics Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: R&D Lasers and Optics Engineer. Location: Golden Valley, Minnesota

Responsibilities:

• Work with engineers, physicists, and technicians to advance trapped-ion quantum computing systems.
• Perform routine maintenance on laser and optical systems.
• Help design, build, test, and align optical systems including lasers and imaging tools.
• Support planning, development, and upkeep of new and existing optical and laser systems;
• Prepare engineering specifications, standard operating procedures, and documentation for operating and repairing optical, mechanical, and electronics systems.
• Assist Procurement and Materials teams with acquiring and tracking technical equipment during lab buildouts, expansions, and maintenance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 1 year of hands-on experience with optics or lasers.
• At least 2 years of experience working in a technical environment such as a lab or clean room.
• Must be a U.S. Person (citizen, permanent resident, green card holder, asylum or refugee status);
• Due to national security rules, candidates cannot be PRC or Russian nationals unless they are also U.S. citizens.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in optics, engineering, physics, instrumentation, or related fields.
• Three or more years working in an optics lab;
• Experience building and testing optical systems with knowledge of lasers, free-space optics, fiber optics, and imaging systems.
• Experience building experimental setups from scratch.
• Ability to follow drawings, instructions, and test protocols.
• Experience with Python, CAD tools, or optical modeling.
• Strong organization and attention to detail;
• Ability to work from schematics, wiring diagrams, sketches, and written or verbal instructions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary range: 81,000 to 101,000 per year.
• Non-incentive eligible.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer support.
• 401(k) match and student loan repayment benefit;
• Equity, retirement plan, 12 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Flexible work schedule;
• Employee discounts.
• Equal opportunity employer.

Additional Notes: AI tools may assist with parts of the hiring process, but humans make all final decisions, For questions about data processing, contact the company.