Photon Queue · 1 day ago
Optical Engineer - Product Development
Lemont, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$120K/yr - $180K/yr
5+ years expPhoton Queue is commercializing quantum memory systems for quantum computing and networking. They are seeking a founding Optical Engineer to lead the productization effort, transforming prototypes into manufacturable products while ensuring performance and scalability.
Information TechnologyInternet
No H1B
Responsibilities
Design free-space optical systems that achieve kilometers of optical path length in compact form factors, balancing optical performance with manufacturability constraints
Lead the transition from breadboard prototypes to product designs, applying Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to enable scalable production
Develop and maintain information logs on the design of each product
Interface with optical component vendors and contract manufacturers to source, qualify, and procure components while managing cost and lead time tradeoffs
Contribute to the development of a product version plan that defines the roadmap from current custom builds to standardized, high-volume products
Mentor team members on optical design principles and best practices as the company grows
Qualification
Required
Proven track record of taking at least one free-space optical system from prototype through manufacturing to commercial deployment (e.g., a table-top laser device)
Direct experience applying Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to optical systems
Experience with modeling and analyzing optical systems
Experience with mechanical CAD tools (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Creo, or similar) for opto-mechanical design
Expertise in free-space beam propagation, mode matching, and optical system analysis
Strong understanding of opto-mechanical design including precision mounts, stages, and alignment fixtures
Ability to balance optical performance, cost, manufacturability, and schedule constraints
BS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required
Preferred
5+ years experience
Proficiency with optical design software such as Zemax, CODE V, or equivalent tools for system modeling and optimization
Hands-on experience aligning free-space optical systems in both research and commercial environments
Background in stabilized optical systems such as laser cavities, interferometers, or systems with active feedback elements
Knowledge of environmental stability considerations including thermal management, vibration isolation, and mechanical drift mitigation
Previous experience in a startup or fast-paced environment where you wore multiple hats
Benefits
Meaningful equity in an early-stage company (subject to board approval)
Deep-dish pizza and hot dogs (Chicago classics!)
Ground-floor opportunity with significant upside potential
Company
Photon Queue
hoton Queue aims to accelerate the deployment of quantum technology by bringing efficient all-optical quantum memories to market.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$0.05MKey Investors
Duality
2024-08-01Grant· $0.05M
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