R&D Manager Optics - 1656
US Broomfield, CO
Science & Technology – Quantum Computing Hardware /
Full-time /
On-site
Science Led, Enterprise Driven – Accelerating Quantum Computing
Quantinuum is the world’s largest integrated quantum company, pioneering powerful quantum computers and advanced software solutions. Quantinuum’s technology drives breakthroughs in materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next-gen quantum AI. With approximately 500 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, Quantinuum leads the quantum computing revolution across continents.
We unite best-in-class software with high-fidelity hardware to accelerate quantum computing. With integrated full-stack technology, our world-class team is rapidly scaling quantum computing.
Quantinuum recently secured $300m in funding, visit our news pages to learn more about this and other Quantinuum scientific breakthroughs and achievements: https://www.quantinuum.com/news
We are seeking a highly qualified R&D Manager – Optics in our Broomfield, CO location with laboratory experience at a university or industrial physics/engineering setting to help develop novel sub-systems that will enable future Quantinuum quantum computers.
A highly qualified individual to manage a team developing optical technologies, including but not limited to laser development, novel free space optical beamlines and beam delivery, photonic integrated circuits, fiber optics, lens design, detectors, and optomechanical design and build. The manager will lead and mentor a group of optical engineers, physicists, opto-mechanical engineers and technicians to design optical systems that deliver light to trapped ions, as well as collect and detect single photon signals for data readout. The group leader will then work with the broader Quantinuum physics and engineering teams to insert state of the art optical systems into our commercial platforms.
This role comprises individual technical contribution, technical leadership, and people-management, in roughly equal parts. As such, ideal candidates will boast a broad and deep understanding in one or more of classical or quantum optics, lasers, and integrated photonics.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with Quantum Computing system architects and designers to derive optical system requirements (lasers, signal conditioning, beam delivery, detection) for trapped ion quantum computing
- Translate requirements into tactical and strategic project plans for the optical engineering team
- Perform and guide efforts in conceptualizing, developing, and designing optical systems
- Create test plans for optical design prototypes and final optical assemblies against key requirements
- Lead technical teams to meet programmatic performance, schedule, cost, and quality commitments
- Hire and develop staff with the right skills for success
- Perform technical goal setting, employee performance assessments, and compensation adjustments
- Plan and nurture career development of direct-reporting engineer/scientists; mentor, coach, and train as needed
- Identify key technology innovation in optical subsystem design that will drive scalable trapped ion QC, and lead prototype planning towards future architectures
- Co-own the technology portfolio for optical subsystems for trapped ion quantum computing; this task includes IP development and capture, procurement planning, long-term development strategy and roadmap
YOU MUST HAVE
- Bachelor’s Degree Minimum
- Minimum 8 years of post-graduate experience developing optical systems (design and/or build/experimental)
- Minimum 2 years of experience (academic and/or industrial combined) in the physical principles of optics for atomic physics or spectroscopy (design or experiment/both)
- Minimum 2 years of experience serving as the leader of an advanced technical team (either task leadership or personnel management/both)
- Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident or green card holder
WE VALUE:
- Advanced degree - Masters or PhD - in Physics, Optics, Engineering, Computer Science or related technical field preferred
- Familiarity with Gaussian beam propagation and lens design, which can include optical design software such as Zemax
- Familiarity with designing opto-mechanical systems and tolerances, which can include optomechanical design software such as Solidworks
- Familiarity with photonic integrated circuit component design and/or test and/or fabrication
- Direct experience with people-management in a technical industry
- Familiarity with optical elements and lasers as applied within the field of atomic or molecular physics
- Experience in complex task management (cost, schedule, risk/opportunity, etc.)
- A track record of high-technology (engineering, or physical science) development
- A strong and active network of professional relationships
- Strong organizational & leadership skills; Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- People who want to change the world positively through the power of quantum computing
$173,000 - $216,000 a year
Compensation & Benefits:
Range posted is inclusive of bonus target when applicable
Estimated Salary Wage: $173,000 - $216,000 Annually
