Laser Systems Specialist

Entangled Future; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

QuEra Computing seeks a Laser Systems Specialist to own hands-on build, assembly, and installation of optical subsystems across multiple platforms, from optical tables to custom enclosures. You will perform precise assembly under tight timelines, ensuring high-quality results and documenting every step.

Responsibilities include packaging for international shipment, bedding alignment verification, and on-site troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• BS in optics/photonics or equivalent hands-on training.
• Experience assembling and aligning free-space optical systems.
• Advanced PM fiber splicing expertise and axis alignment.
• Proficiency with fiber connectors and power measurement.
• Ability to handle high-value fragile optical components with care.
• Ability to read optical layouts and assembly procedures.
• Experience with opto-mechanical hardware and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and mount optical subsystems, both cold and hot status.
• Package assembled subsystems for international shipment, ensuring vibration and humidity protection.
• Install and align laser subsystems on various platforms including optical tables and enclosures.
• Perform prototype builds with fast turnaround for small-batch production.
• Apply PM fiber splicing techniques and verify losses.
• Handle high-value components with rigorous safety and cleanliness.
• Document build steps, configurations, and revisions in internal systems.
• Support on-site troubleshooting and maintenance across the laser systems fleet.
• Contribute to improving assembly procedures, fixtures, and tooling.

Skills

Free-space optics alignment

PM fiber splicing

Fiber-proc proficiency

Documentation discipline

Reading engineering drawings

Opto-mechanical hardware

Rigorous record-keeping

Education

BS in Optics/Photonics or related field

Equivalent hands-on training in optics

Tools

Zemax

SolidWorks

Job description

Laser Systems Specialist at QuEra Computing, Boston, MA, USA. A mid-level full time position in the Laser Systems team, listed under hardware engineering.

Summary

Laser Systems is QuEra’s horizontal laser infrastructure program, owning the full lifecycle of laser systems — from source to QPU optical interface — across all machine generations and global sites. As QuEra scales its machine portfolio, the team requires dedicated hands-on specialist technician capacity for time-sensitive build, assembly, and installation work.

The Laser Systems Specialist will own small-batch build and assembly support for optical subsystems and will perform physical installation of laser systems across a range of platforms — including optical tables, rack cabinets, and custom enclosures. Many of the components involved are long-lead, fragile, and high-value; this role demands the highest level of precision and physical discipline. It is a hands-on, execution-focused position requiring both meticulous care and the ability to deliver under tight timelines.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $90,000 - $140,000.

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly. We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience. In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.

Responsibilities

• Execute assembly work in both "cold" and "hot" status: cold assembly covers passive optical builds (mounts, beam routing, fiber connections) without live laser power; hot assembly involves working on or near optically charged systems, requiring heightened safety awareness, beam hazard discipline, and close coordination with Laser Systems Engineers
• Prepare assembled subsystems for shipment to international sites (Japan, UK, and future locations): packaging for vibration and humidity sensitivity, export compliance support (ITAR/EAR documentation), and coordination with logistics and receiving teams to ensure systems arrive integration-ready
• Install and integrate laser subsystems across platforms: optical tables, rack-mounted enclosures, and custom integration hardware; support alignment and system verification in both powered-down and live-laser conditions
• Execute small-batch prototype builds with fast turnaround, handling components that are too small in volume or too time-sensitive for contract manufacturing
• Apply advanced PM fiber splicing techniques — fusion splicing with PM axis alignment, loss verification, and end-face qualification — as part of permanent low-loss signal chain construction
• Handle high-value and fragile optical components with appropriate care, cleanliness, and anti-static protocols
• Document all build steps, component configurations, and revisions in internal systems (Confluence, JIRA)
• Support on-site troubleshooting and maintenance of installed laser systems across the machine fleet
• Contribute to improvement of assembly procedures, fixtures, and tooling

Requirements

• S., B.S., or equivalent hands-on technical training in optics, photonics, precision assembly, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience assembling and aligning free-space optical systems (mirrors, lenses, beam splitters, waveplates, AOMs/EOMs, or similar)
• Advanced PM fiber splicing expertise: fusion splicing, PM axis alignment, loss measurement, and splicer qualification
• Broader fiber-optic proficiency: connectorization, FC/APC/PC polishing, fiber routing, and power measurement
• Proven ability to handle fragile, high-value, and long-lead optical components with zero-defect discipline
• Ability to work from engineering drawings, optical layouts, and assembly procedures independently
• Comfort with opto-mechanical hardware across form factors: optical breadboards, cage systems, and rack-mounted enclosures
• Rigorous documentation habits — build steps, serial numbers, and configuration states recorded as a matter of course

Nice to Have

• Background in a laser lab, photonics manufacturing, or precision optical assembly environment
• PM splicing experience extending into active fiber signal chains (amplifier seed delivery, pre-amplifier interconnects)
• Laser safety discipline for hot assembly work: comfort operating near live high-power beams, familiarity with interlocked enclosures, beam dump practices, and Class 3B/4 laser handling procedures
• Ability to read optical and mechanical CAD drawings (Zemax, SolidWorks, or equivalent)
• Exposure to laser characterization equipment: power meters, beam profilers, optical spectrum analyzers
• Experience in a prototype or R&D build environment (university lab, national lab, or early-stage company)