Photonics Engineer

queracomputinginc; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

QuEra Computing is seeking a highly motivated full-stack Photonic Engineer to accelerate photonic chip development through AI-driven component pipelines. You will lead tapeouts of photonic components, drive the layout-first pipeline, and collaborate with foundries to translate design rules into working devices.

You will work with engineers and quantum scientists to integrate photonic parts into complete quantum computing systems.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or 4+ years of PIC experience.
• Deep understanding of PIC workflows from simulation to layout and experimentation.
• Strong Python skills and experience automating engineering work including with AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead tapeouts of high-performance photonic components and circuits.
• Own and build AI-driven component development pipelines, starting with the layout pipeline.
• Collaborate with foundry partners through iterative design-fab-test cycles, translating PDK constraints and fab feedback.
• Contribute across photonics workflow: device design, simulation, layout, test, and system-level experiments.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team to integrate photonic components into quantum computing systems.

Skills

Python programming

Photonic integrated circuits

AI/ML for design

Tapeout experience

Publications/patents

Education

MS/PhD in EE or Physics or 4+ years PIC experience

Tools

Lumerical

Tidy3D

gdsfactory

KLayout

gdspy

IPKISS

Job description

Summary

QuEra Computing, a frontrunner in the quantum computing industry, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced full-stack Photonic Engineer to help build the AI-driven component development pipelines that will accelerate next-generation photonic chip development. You will explore state-of-the-art optimization workflows, directly improving how quickly our engineers can iterate and tape out novel photonic components for large-scale fault-tolerant neutral-atom quantum computers.

Responsibilities

• Lead tapeouts of high-performance photonic and optoelectronic components and circuits.
• Own and build out our AI-driven component development pipelines, with early focus on the layout pipeline.
• Collaborate with foundry partners through iterative design-fab-test cycles, translating PDK constraints and fab feedback into faster convergence on working devices.
• Contribute across photonics workflow: device design, simulation, layout, test, and system-level experiments.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and quantum scientists to integrate photonic components into complete quantum computing systems.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or 4+ years of experience with photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
• Deep understanding and practical experience across PIC workflows, from simulation and layout to experimentation and control.
• Strong Python skills and a demonstrated track record of automating engineering work, including with AI tools.
• Enthusiasm for at least one of: photonic design automation, large-scale layout design, high-volume photonics testing, or photonic systems control.
• Proven technical impact, evidenced by publications, patents, or shipped products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with commercial PIC simulation tools such as Lumerical, Tidy3D, and layout tools such as gdsfactory, KLayout, gdspy, or IPKISS.
• Applied ML or AI for device design or layout optimization, such as inverse design, Bayesian optimization, or LLM-assisted design or layout workflows.
• Direct experience with a specific foundry PDK and its design-rule constraints.
• Experience with the development of optical components and systems for atomic physics, such as high-power visible/near-IR light, AOM/EOM control, beam delivery for atom trapping or Rydberg excitation.
• Prior work in quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communication, or another physics-heavy hardware environment.

Salary and Benefits

The approximate base salary range for this position is $128,000 - $208,000.

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.