# Principal Subsystem Build and Test Engineer at Atom Computing

> Onsite · United States · Principal · QA / Test · open. Source: https://alderhq.app/jobs/lever%3Aatomcomputing%3Ae7127c58-b2e0-4606-ad4f-be1d8a163edc (read 2026-11-04).

## Facts (observed)

- Company: [Atom Computing](https://alderhq.app/companies/atom-computing)
- Location text: Boulder, CO
- Where it can be done from (inferred): Onsite · United States (evidence: "Location: Boulder, CO")
- Posted: 2026-10-17 (17 days ago)
- First seen by alder: 2026-11-02 · last verified: 2026-11-04
- Reposted: 0 times · edited: 0 times
- Apply on the employer's site: https://jobs.lever.co/atomcomputing/e7127c58-b2e0-4606-ad4f-be1d8a163edc

## Pay and sponsorship

- Posted pay: $185k–$210k per year (from the listing's pay field)
- Market band for similar posted roles (Denver, n 6): p25 $96k, median $125k, p75 $173k
- H-1B filings at this company for similar roles, FY26: 4, median offered wage $155k ([US DOL OFLC LCA disclosure data](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/performance))

## Description (the employer's text)

### Responsibilities

- Lead the build, integration, and testing of optical, vacuum/mechanical, RF, electronic, and cable assemblies.
- Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians.
- Partner with Engineering on first-of-a-kind builds and translate designs into practical assembly and test methods.
- Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to establish repeatable build processes, work instructions, fixtures, and test procedures.
- Provide hands-on technical direction for optical alignment, precision assembly, integration, and troubleshooting.
- Diagnose build and test failures and work with Engineering to identify design, process, material, or workmanship issues.
- Ensure required materials, documentation, qualified personnel, and calibrated equipment are available before builds begin.
- Maintain accurate build, inspection, and test records and release verified subsystems to System Integration & Test (SI&T).
- Track build progress, first-pass acceptance, rework, and cycle time and use repeat-build findings to improve processes and fixtures.
- Oversee approved subsystem measurements and acceptance tests, including optical characterization, electronic checkout, and applicable mechanical or vacuum verification.
- Collaborate with leadership to plan personnel, workspace, fixtures, and shared equipment across parallel build efforts.
### Experience & Education

- BS in Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience. Advanced degree preferred.
- 8+ years of experience building, integrating, testing, or developing precision optical, scientific, or similarly complex hardware.
- 3+ years of experience mentoring engineers and technicians in an integration, manufacturing, or test environment.
### Qualifications

- Extensive hands-on experience assembling, aligning, integrating, and testing precision optical systems.
- Experience working with electronic/RF, vacuum, mechanical, or electromechanical subsystems.
- Experience taking first-of-a-kind hardware through build, test, troubleshooting, and transition into repeatable production.
- Practical knowledge of optical assembly, alignment, cleanliness, bonding coordination, and the measurements used to verify precision optical subsystems.
- Working knowledge of electronic and RF assembly, chassis and cable checkout, and vacuum and mechanical build requirements.
- Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to distinguish design issues from process, material, equipment, and workmanship problems.
- Experience working with released drawings, work instructions, inspection criteria, test procedures, calibrated equipment, and nonconformance processes.
- Desire to coach engineers and technicians and distinguish process problems from design issues.
- Experience with quantum computing, atomic physics, advanced photonics, aerospace, semiconductor, scientific instrumentation, or similarly complex hardware preferred.
- Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.

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Data: alder (https://alderhq.app). Cite https://alderhq.app/jobs/lever%3Aatomcomputing%3Ae7127c58-b2e0-4606-ad4f-be1d8a163edc and the date you read it. Observed facts come from the employer's own listing; location reach, level, family and skills are inferences.