Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware

atomcomputing· Optical Engineering
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📍 Boulder, COFull time💰 USD 150K–180K

About this role

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware role at atomcomputing?
The listed salary for this Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware position at atomcomputing is USD 150K–180K. This is an Full time role.
Where is the Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware position at atomcomputing located?
This Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware role at atomcomputing is based in Boulder, CO. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware role at atomcomputing full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware role in the Optical Engineering department at atomcomputing.
Which team or department does the Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware at atomcomputing belong to?
This Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware position is part of the Optical Engineering department at atomcomputing. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware position at atomcomputing?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to atomcomputing's official application portal hosted on lever where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware job at atomcomputing posted?
This Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware position at atomcomputing was posted on Sep 28, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Instrumentation Hardware
atomcomputing · 💰 USD 150K–180K
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