Senior Optical Engineer

QuEra Computing, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

QuEra Computing, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts, seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to contribute to the development of state-of-the-art quantum computers. The candidate will work with physicists on optical system architecture and advance engineering practices through innovative problem-solving.

A B.S. in a relevant field and 5-8 years of industry experience are required, with expertise in free-space optics, lasers, and scientific instrument design. This role supports cutting-edge research and requires hands-on laboratory skills.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Work with physicists to architect optical systems for neutral atom computers.
• Advance engineering practices through independent research and problem-solving.
• Troubleshoot technical issues at company headquarters and off-site installations.

Skills

Optical engineering

Optics

Problem-solving

Laboratory skills

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 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.
• 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), and 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.