Senior Optical Engineer

QuEra Computing Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

QuEra Computing Inc. in Boston, MA, seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to join the QPU Hardware Engineering team.

The role is a senior-level full-time contributor responsible for designing optical systems across the full development lifecycle, from R&D to productization. You will work with physicists to architect subsystems, advance engineering practices, and translate scientific advances into deployable neutral atom quantum computer components, requiring deep optics expertise and hands-on lab

Qualifications

• B.S. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or closely related field (Ph.D. or M.S. preferred).
• 5-8 years work experience designing optical and opto-mechanical systems in an industry environment with enterprise practices.
• Excellent system-level design skills including Zemax and COMSOL and CAD design.
• Deep domain expertise in free-space optics, electronics, optical system characterization, and ultra-high vacuum.

Responsibilities

• Architect optical systems, sub-systems, modules, and components to support neutral atom computers through full development lifecycle (R&D, productization, maintenance).
• Advance state-of-the-art engineering practices through independent research and problem-solving.
• Coordinate with R&D/science team to translate advances into next-generation products.
• Troubleshoot technical issues at headquarters and off-site installations (with local support team).

Skills

Optical design

Zemax

COMSOL

CAD

Free-space optics

Lab testing

Electronics

System integration

Education

B.S. in optics / optical engineering / applied physics (Ph.D. or M.S. preferred)

Tools

Zemax

COMSOL

CAD

Job description

Senior Optical Engineer at QuEra Computing, Boston, MA, USA. A senior-level full time position in the QPU Hardware Engineering team, listed under hardware engineering.

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.

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

• 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).

Requirements

• 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)
• Electronics
• 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.