Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware

Atom Computing · Boulder, Colorado · $150,000 - $180,000 USD · Posted 2026-09-28

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineering, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

We're looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join our Opto-Mechanical Engineering team to focus on designing the physical systems that house, protect, and connect our Control Systems and associated electronic products - from enclosures and chassis to thermal management and cabling. You'll work closely with electrical, firmware, and systems engineers to turn functional requirements into manufacturable, reliable hardware, primarily for 19" rack-mount and other pluggable instrumentation form factors.

This is a hands-on mechanical design role covering the full product lifecycle: concept, CAD modeling, analysis, prototyping, and production support.

This position is located in Boulder, Colorado, and will report to the Opto-Mechanical Engineering Manager.

Responsibilities

Design enclosures, heat sinks, shields, cabling, chassis, and front panels for rack-mount and pluggable instrumentation products
Create and maintain detailed CAD models, assemblies, and drawings
Perform thermal and airflow analysis to ensure components stay within operating temperature limits under real-world conditions
Designing in sheet metal, extrusions, and machined parts as well as rapid prototyping (3D printing and other quick turn methods)
Assist with connector and cable analysis and design; assess board and front panel space requirements and density, cable routing and restrictions, etc
Conduct tolerance studies (GD&T-based) to ensure fit, function, and manufacturability across assemblies
Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate PCBs, power supplies, and wiring into mechanical packaging
Support design reviews, prototyping, testing, and validation (thermal, structural, EMI/EMC as applicable)
Work with manufacturing, suppliers, and operations to ensure designs transition smoothly from prototype to production

Experience & Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering
5+ years of mechanical engineering design experience relatable to instrument design

Required Qualifications

Proficiency with CAD and simulation tools; SolidWorks and Ansys (e.g., Icepak, Mechanical, Fluent) preferred, though familiarity with similar CAD/FEA/CFD tools will also be considered
Experience working with mechanical fixtures for PCBs (supports, integration fixtures, multi-board design with FMC or other board-to-board mating interfaces, heat sinks, shields, connectors, etc)
Solid understanding of thermal management for electronics: heat sink design, airflow/CFD analysis, and component-level cooling
Mechanical drawing and GD&T per ASME Y14.5M, tolerance stack analysis
Experience with sheet metal design, fabrication methods, and cable/harness design
Ability to work cross-functionally with electrical and systems engineers to balance mechanical, thermal, and electrical constraints
Robust packaging of sensitive systems for shipping or extreme environments
Comfortable moving between early-stage concept work and detailed production-ready design

Desired Qualifications

Familiarity with pluggable instrumentation standards such as MicroTCA, PXI, VPX, or similar and modular PCB form factors, such as FMC
Experience with RF shielding, EMI/EMC design considerations
Experience with electronics test fixture design
Exposure to test & measurement or precision instrumentation products
Experience supporting products through sustainment/value engineering after initial release
Familiarity with PLM and PDM tools

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $150,000 - $180,000 annually, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

About Atom Computing

Atom Computing builds truly scalable quantum computers out of individual atoms.