Laser Systems Engineer

QuEra Computing Inc.; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology firm focused on quantum computing seeks a Laser Systems Engineer to advance laser subsystems used in quantum platforms. This role involves coordinating with vendors and evaluating laser and photonic systems, ensuring they meet performance requirements. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of hands-on experience with advanced laser systems, excellent troubleshooting skills, and work well with multidisciplinary teams. This position requires ~20% travel for collaboration with partners.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience operating or maintaining advanced laser systems.
• Experience working with free-space optics, fiber optics, and optomechanical assemblies.
• Strong skills in optical alignment, beam diagnostics, and troubleshooting complex optical systems.

Responsibilities

• Support development and scaling of laser infrastructure as quantum systems grow.
• Coordinate subsystem testing, qualification, and integration activities with external partners.
• Act as on-site technical interface for Quantum Benchmarking Initiative test activities.

Skills

Advanced laser systems operation

Optical alignment

Beam diagnostics

Optomechanical assemblies

Laser safety practices

Education

Master’s or PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics

Job description

Summary

QuEra Computing is seeking a Laser Systems Engineer to support the development and evaluation of laser subsystems used in neutral‑atom quantum computing platforms. This role will serve as a key technical liaison for vendor collaboration and test and evaluation activities.

The engineer will work closely with QuEra’s Laser Systems and Quantum Systems teams to support subsystem testing, qualification, and scaling efforts. A core responsibility is coordinating with vendors and partners to ensure laser and photonic subsystems meet performance, reliability, and integration requirements as QuEra’s quantum computing systems scale.

This position will also serve as the on‑site technical interface for test and evaluation activities associated with DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) and related programs. The role involves coordinating subsystem evaluation, test protocols, and milestone documentation.

The ideal candidate combines hands‑on experience with advanced laser systems, strong experimental troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work effectively with external partners and multidisciplinary engineering teams. ~20% travel to partner facilities and vendor sites is required.

Responsibilities

• Laser System Scaling and Architecture Development: Work closely with the Laser System team on supporting the development and scaling of QuEra’s laser infrastructure as quantum systems grow in size and complexity. Explore approaches for increasing optical power, stability, and scalability across multi‑wavelength laser systems together with the laser system and quantum hardware team. Evaluate potential architectures, technologies, and vendor solutions that support higher‑power and more scalable laser subsystems and contribute to technical discussions and experiments aimed at improving laser system performance, reliability, and manufacturability as systems transition from experimental prototypes toward larger‑scale deployments.
• Vendor Collaboration and Subsystem Qualification: Serve as the technical point of contact for vendors developing laser and optical subsystems, coordinate subsystem testing, qualification, and integration activities with external partners, support vendor evaluation, component qualification, and performance verification for critical optical hardware.
• QBI Testing and Evaluation Liaison: Serve as the on‑site technical interface for Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) test and evaluation activities, coordinate with QuEra’s Laser Systems team to define subsystem test procedures, instrumentation requirements, and evaluation protocols, and support milestone documentation, technical reporting, and data collection for federal research programs.
• Additional Responsibilities: Collaborate with photonics, optics, and quantum systems teams to define subsystem interface requirements and integration workflows; assist with development of test infrastructure for evaluating laser performance, stability, and reliability; support procurement, documentation, and lifecycle management of laser and optical components; contribute to development of operational procedures, safety practices, and technical documentation for laser systems; participate in cross‑site coordination with QuEra engineering teams and external research partners.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience operating or maintaining advanced laser systems.
• Experience working with free‑space optics, fiber optics, and optomechanical assemblies.
• Strong skills in optical alignment, beam diagnostics, and troubleshooting complex optical systems.
• Familiarity with laser control electronics, feedback systems, or instrumentation used in optical experiments.
• Experience working in laboratory or prototype environments with uptime or experimental reliability requirements.
• Solid understanding of laser safety practices for high‑power optical systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field.
• Experience with AMO systems, cold‑atom experiments, or photonics platforms for quantum technologies.
• Familiarity with laser stabilization techniques (laser characterization and performance verification techniques).
• Experience collaborating with external vendors or research partners on photonic or optical subsystems.
• Prior experience working on DARPA, DOE, or other federally funded R&D programs and preparing milestone documentation.
• Strong technical communication and documentation skills.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.