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Optical Bench Alignment Technician

Louisville, Colorado, United States

About IonQ: 

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.

Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.  

About Skyloom 

Skyloom, an IonQ company, is a telecommunications company founded with the mission to develop, deploy, and operate one of the fundamental pieces of tomorrow’s space communication infrastructure to provide data transport services on a planetary scale. If you have a strong sense of purpose, focus, urgency, and willingness to compete—or if working on space lasers excites you—join our team to develop the future generation of space communication technology.

Location: This role will be based onsite at our Louisville, Colorado office.
Travel: None
Job ID: 1640

The Role

The Optical Alignment Technician plays a critical role in the production of Skyloom optical communication terminals. This position is responsible for the precision alignment of optical components to enable high-performance data links under stringent performance requirements.

The role requires excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to follow and improve detailed work instructions. The technician will perform alignment, inspection, and quality control activities, while working closely with mechanical and optical engineering teams to troubleshoot issues and continuously improve production processes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform precision optical alignment and integration of components and assemblies
  • Follow and execute detailed work instructions and alignment procedures
  • Support the development and improvement of assembly and alignment processes
  • Perform inspection, measurement, and quality control of optical assemblies
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot alignment and performance issues
  • Maintain accurate documentation for traceability and production tracking
  • Handle sensitive optical hardware in accordance with cleanroom and contamination control standards
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment

Technical Skills

  • Proven experience in optical assembly or optical instrument manufacturing, preferably in aerospace, photonics, medical devices, or precision equipment
  • Strong experience with precision alignment tools such as autocollimators, interferometers, lasers, microscopes, and optical power meters
  • Excellent manual dexterity and precision handling of delicate optical components
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, exploded diagrams, and optical assembly procedures
  • Familiarity with cleanroom operations, ESD control, and contamination-sensitive environments
  • Understanding of optomechanical interfaces, including lens mounts, kinematic mounts, and alignment strategies
  • Experience with optical cleaning procedures and handling techniques
  • Familiarity with measurement and inspection tools (micrometers, calipers, torque tools)

Core Qualifications

  • Experience in an assembly, integration, or optical alignment environment
  • Ability to follow complex technical procedures with high accuracy
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • Experience with quality control and compliance processes
  • Computer literacy (Microsoft Office, data entry systems, basic Linux familiarity preferred)
  • Knowledge of ESD and laser safety procedures
  • Ability to work effectively in cleanroom environments
  • Strong written communication skills

Soft Skills

 

  • Extremely detail-oriented with a rigorous and disciplined mindset
  • Strong documentation and traceability discipline
  • Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
  • High reliability, accountability, and ownership
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Mission-driven and team-oriented mindset

Preferred Qualifications 

  • 2–5 years of experience in aerospace, optical communications, photonics, or precision optics manufacturing
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Photonics, Engineering Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Experience with optical alignment techniques, bench-top setups, and complex optical systems
  • Experience with optical bonding and adhesives
  • Experience in production environments and process improvement
  • Familiarity with advanced metrology tools such as interferometers, shearing interferometers, and infrared sensors

Compensation 

The approximate base salary range for this position is $68,456 - $82,661. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits.

**Benefits will be provided by Skyloom, Inc., an IonQ Company, and will differ from the benefits listed on the IonQ website.**

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend.  Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. 

At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
 
We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions.  Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls.  Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone.  Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.  

US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply! 


 

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