Lead Optical Engineer: Systems & Production for Quantum Tech

QuEra Computing Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants

Job summary

QuEra Computing Inc. in Boston is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design and development of optical modules for our neutral atom quantum computers.

This senior individual contributor role requires a deep hands-on background in optics and a track record of delivering manufacturable systems. You will mentor an interdisciplinary team, collaborate with physics researchers, and drive products from concept through production, ensuring performance, reliability, and scalable production.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field.
• 10–15 years of non-academic work experience in enterprise environments.
• Experience bringing complex optical systems from concept to production.
• Ability to lead interdisciplinary engineering teams and coordinate with R&D.
• Proficiency with CAD (Inventor, Solidworks) and optical design tools (Zemax).

Responsibilities

• Optical module design and development across full lifecycle.
• Collaborate with physicists to architect optical systems and sub-systems.
• Technically lead an interdisciplinary team through development to production.
• Advance engineering practices through research and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with R&D to translate advances into products and troubleshoot on-site.

Skills

Free-space optics

Lens design

Fiber optics

Lasers

Optical system testing

Opto-mechanics

Production to production transition

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in optics / optical engineering / applied physics

Tools

Inventor

Solidworks

PDM

PLM

Zemax

Job description

QuEra Computing Inc. in Boston is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design and development of optical modules for our neutral atom quantum computers.

This senior individual contributor role requires a deep hands-on background in optics and a track record of delivering manufacturable systems. You will mentor an interdisciplinary team, collaborate with physics researchers, and drive products from concept through production, ensuring performance, reliability, and scalable production.