Senior Quantum Systems Engineer - Hardware & Software

QuEra Computing Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

QuEra Computing Inc. in Boston seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to align engineering execution with scientific progress in large-scale quantum computers. This role blends quantum science, hardware engineering, and control software to create a coherent, buildable, and integrable machine.

The position requires leadership across teams, hands-on lab involvement, and the ability to translate goals into actionable requirements within a learning-driven R&D environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of systems engineering or system architecture experience.
• Experience integrating multidisciplinary systems (hardware, software, controls).
• Strong background in requirements definition, interface management, and system integration.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-evolving R&D environments.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Work with quantum scientists to understand how the machine is operated, tuned, and debugged.
• Spend significant time in the lab observing experiments and discussions to absorb tacit system knowledge.
• Treat scientists as primary system knowledge holders, approaching requirements as a learning exercise.
• Build trust by reflecting scientific intent in system models, requirements, and architecture decisions.
• Facilitate the co-evolution of system requirements as the machine progresses: document uncertainty and refine as results improve.
• Translate scientific goals into actionable engineering requirements while preserving necessary flexibility.
• Develop a living system architecture covering quantum hardware, control electronics, firmware, and software.
• Lead system-level trade studies and technical decisions with engineering and scientific leaders.
• Define validation criteria tied to real machine behavior and improve pre-deployment testing and integration readiness.
• Deliver small, tangible improvements early to reduce friction for scientists and engineers.

Skills

Systems engineering

Hardware-software integration

Requirements definition

Interface management

System integration

Ambiguity handling in fast-evolving R&

Communication and collaboration

Leadership in technical teams

Tools

MBSE concepts/tools

Job description

QuEra Computing Inc. in Boston seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to align engineering execution with scientific progress in large-scale quantum computers. This role blends quantum science, hardware engineering, and control software to create a coherent, buildable, and integrable machine.

The position requires leadership across teams, hands-on lab involvement, and the ability to translate goals into actionable requirements within a learning-driven R&D environment.