Optical Scientist - R&D

QuEra Computing Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

QuEra Computing Inc. in Boston, MA, USA, is seeking an Optical Scientist to join our growing R&D team.

This mid-level, full-time role focuses on hands-on experimental work at the intersection of AMO physics and quantum hardware development. You will design, prototype, and deploy opto-mechanical systems for next-generation quantum computers, and collaborate across disciplines to advance platforms and architectures.

Qualifications

• PhD in AMO Physics or closely related field.
• 3-6 years of hands-on experimental experience in precision optical systems, opto-mechanical design, or laser systems, including industry or postdoctoral experience.
• Strong practical skills with precision laser systems, optical components, and imaging systems in a lab setting.
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in highly interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience with neutral-atom, ion trap, or other quantum computing or quantum sensing platforms.
• Familiarity with opto-mechanical design tools and practices.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and deploy opto-mechanical systems for next-generation quantum computing platforms, with a focus on hands-on experimental implementation in a lab environment.
• Characterize, optimize, and troubleshoot precision laser and imaging optical systems, ensuring performance meets the demanding requirements of neutral-atom quantum processors.
• Improve the performance, and operability of existing proof-of-concept quantum computing machines.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers across disciplines to develop and refine new experimental concepts and optical architectures.
• Contribute to the development of experimental procedures, documentation, and best practices to support reliable and repeatable system performance.

Skills

AMO Physics

Precision optics

Opto-mechanical design

Laser systems

Lab experiments

Education

PhD in AMO Physics or related field

Tools

Opto-mechanical design tools

Laser system setups

Job description

Optical Scientist - R&D at QuEra Computing, Boston, MA, USA. A mid-level full time position in the Research and Development team, listed under hardware engineering.

Summary QuEra Computing is pioneering the future of quantum computing technology. We are seeking an Optical Scientist to join our growing team and help create the world's largest and first commercially relevant quantum computing platform. You will work closely with a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and developers to build and advance the most powerful neutral-atom quantum computers in the world. This is a hands-on experimental role at the intersection of atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics and cutting-edge quantum hardware development. Responsibilities Design, prototype, and deploy opto-mechanical systems for next-generation quantum computing platforms, with a focus on hands-on experimental implementation in a lab environment. Characterize, optimize, and troubleshoot precision laser and imaging optical systems, ensuring performance meets the demanding requirements of neutral-atom quantum processors. Improve the performance, and operability of existing proof-of-concept quantum computing machines. Collaborate with scientists and engineers across disciplines to develop and refine new experimental concepts and optical architectures. Contribute to the development of experimental procedures, documentation, and best practices to support reliable and repeatable system performance. Qualifications Ph.D. in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics or a closely related field. 3-6 years of hands-on experimental experience in precision optical systems, opto-mechanical design, or laser systems, including industry or postdoctoral experience. Strong practical skills with precision laser systems, optical components, and imaging systems in a lab setting. A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in highly interdisciplinary teams. Preferred Qualifications Experience with neutral-atom, ion trap, or other quantum computing or quantum sensing platforms. Familiarity with opto-mechanical design tools and practices. Strong project management and organizationa

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics or a closely related field.
• 3-6 years of hands-on experimental experience in precision optical systems, opto-mechanical design, or laser systems, including industry or postdoctoral experience.
• Strong practical skills with precision laser systems, optical components, and imaging systems in a lab setting.
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in highly interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience with neutral-atom, ion trap, or other quantum computing or quantum sensing platforms.
• Familiarity with opto-mechanical design tools and practices.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience translating experimental concepts into robust, deployable hardware.

Nice to Have

• Experience with neutral-atom, ion trap, or other quantum computing or quantum sensing platforms.
• Familiarity with opto-mechanical design tools and practices.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience translating experimental concepts into robust, deployable hardware.