Lead Optical Engineer

We are seeking a Lead Optical Engineer in our Broomfield, CO location.

• Participate in a team of physicists, optical, and opto‑mechanical engineers supporting the development of commercial and research systems for quantum computing.
• Perform optical modeling and analysis for coherent micro‑optical and photonic systems to understand how systems can be designed, delivered, and measured in next‑generation quantum computer systems.
• Lead development and design projects that validate technologies, methods, alignment, and suppliers, ultimately leading to production solutions.

• Master's degree minimum.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience (advanced degree inclusive) with optical components and systems modeling and analysis.
• Due to contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as U.S. citizen, permanent resident, green‑card holder, or granted asylum or refugee status.
• Due to national security requirements, candidates must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless also a U.S. citizen.

• Ph.D. or Master's in Optics, Applied Physics, or related field.
• 6+ years experience with scattering and stray light modeling and metrology.
• 4+ years experience with coherent optics development utilizing diffractive optics (DOEs) and/or metasurfaces.
• 4+ years experience with optical coatings modeling and metrology.
• Experience architecting complex optical systems and deriving system requirements from system‑level requirements.
• Experience organizing and setting up optical metrology systems to validate modeling results.
• Experience debugging and troubleshooting optical and photonic systems.
• Experience executing engineering trade studies.
• Experience working with wavelengths from UV to infrared.
• Proficiency with optical modeling software (Zemax preferred, Code V, Light Tools, FRED).
• Experience with single‑photon detectors (a plus).
• Experience with CAD software (a plus).
• Experience mentoring junior engineers in best development practices and optical design methodologies.

Incentive‑eligible range posted is inclusive of bonus target when applicable. The pay range for this role is $164,000 – $205,000 annually; actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications.

Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s high‑performance quantum systems deliver the highest performance across industry benchmarks. With over 650 employees—including 400+ scientists and engineers—across the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Japan, Quantinuum is driving the quantum computing revolution through an integrated full‑stack approach that accelerates practical quantum computing for multiple industries.

Benefits include: competitive salary, employer‑subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) match for student loan repayment, equity, 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, paid parental leave, and employee discounts.

Quantinuum is an equal‑opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status. Workplace discrimination is illegal.