Senior Optical Engineer

QuEra Computing Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grants for new hires

Diverse work environment

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

A cutting-edge technology company is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to contribute to the development of advanced neutral atom quantum computers. The role requires a strong background in optics, optical engineering, and applied physics, preferably with a Ph.D. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in designing optical systems, proficiency with simulation tools, and hands-on laboratory skills. Responsibilities include working with R&D teams, leading optical design initiatives, and troubleshooting technical issues. Join a diverse team committed to innovation.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years work experience in designing optical and opto-mechanical systems in industry.
• Experience in leading the design of scientific instruments and bringing optical systems to production.
• Deep domain expertise in free-space optics, modulators, electronics, lasers, and ultra-high vacuum.

Responsibilities

• Architect optical systems to support neutral atom computers.
• Advance state-of-the-art engineering practices through research and initiatives.
• Coordinate closely with the R&D team to translate scientific advances into products.
• Troubleshoot technical issues at company headquarters and off-site.

Skills

Optical design

Hands-on laboratory skills

Zemax simulation

COMSOL simulation

CAD design

Education

B.S. in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics

Ph.D. or M.S. preferred

Job description

The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company’s mission of building state-of-the-art, manufacturable, and deployable neutral atom quantum computers. The Hardware Engineering Group plays a crucial role in accelerating the company’s technology leadership and translating the company’s scientific breakthroughs into products delivered to customers. To accomplish this mission, we are looking to hire a candidate with graduate-level education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics with industry experience in an enterprise engineering environment. The ideal candidate will combine a deep, fundamental understanding of several areas of optics, design, and engineering. Although candidates with a Ph.D. in physics may be considered, applicants should ensure they have sufficient professional experience beyond academia in an enterprise engineering environment to establish themselves independently as a senior-level engineer.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Work with physicists to understand requirements and architect optical systems, sub-systems, modules, and components to support QuEra’s neutral atom computers through the full development lifecycle (R&D, productization, maintenance, and beyond).
• Advance state-of-the-art engineering practices at QuEra through independent research, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate closely with the R&D/science team to enable cutting‑edge R&D and translate scientific advances into the next generation of products.
• Troubleshoot technical issues at company headquarters and off‑site installations at customer locations (in coordination with local support team).

Qualifications

• B.S. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field (Ph.D. or M.S. preferred).
• 5-8 years work experience designing optical and opto‑mechanical systems in a non‑academic (industry, national lab, FFRDC or similar) environment with enterprise engineering practices.
• Excellent system‑level design skills including Zemax simulation skills, COMSOL simulation skills, and CAD design skills, etc.
• Deep domain expertise in the areas of
  • Free‑space optics (free‑space and fiber)
  • Modulators
  • Electronics
  • Lasers
  • Optical system characterization and testing
  • Ultra‑high vacuum
• Strong hands‑on laboratory skills (e.g. assembly, alignment, cleaning, testing)
• Experience leading the design of scientific instruments and apparatuses and bringing complex optical systems from concept to production.

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly. We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including 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.

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.