Staff Mechanical Engineer, Quantum Hardware

Vector Atomic, Inc.; Pleasanton (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Vector Atomic, Inc. in Pleasanton, CA is hiring a Staff Mechanical Engineer to advance the next generation of quantum technologies. You will design opto-mechanical and vacuum systems for quantum sensors with strong emphasis on personal responsibility and teamwork.

This role requires leading mechanical architecture, applying simulations (FEA/CFD), and governing UHV workflows, with a focus on manufacturability and cross-disciplinary integration.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in Aerospace & Defense R&D or similar field.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• U.S. export control compliance and eligible for U.S. citizenship/permanent residency (as applicable).
• Comfortable working in a lab environment.
• Effective communication and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience transitioning prototypes to small-batch production.
• Proficiency in CAD design, especially SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of design for manufacturing and assembly (DFM/ DFA).
• Understanding of thermal and mechanical properties of materials.
• Familiarity with GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Ability to create mechanical drawings per ANSI Y14.5.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the mechanical architecture of quantum systems and ensure scalability across the product roadmap.
• Lead development of next-gen quantum hardware with rigorous design standards and advanced simulations (FEA/CFD).
• Oversee systems-level integration of optomechanical and electromechanical assemblies and define tolerance budgets.
• Govern UHV assembly and testing workflows with standardized protocols and modular testbeds.
• Oversee PLM strategy and cultivate vendor partnerships to de-risk the supply chain for materials.
• Audit build documentation and testing results; mentor junior engineers and ensure QC benchmarks.

Skills

Aerospace & Defense R&D

CAD design

SolidWorks

DFM

DFA

GD&T

ANSI Y14.5

System integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

FEA/ CFD

Job description

Vector Atomic, Inc. in Pleasanton, CA is hiring a Staff Mechanical Engineer to advance the next generation of quantum technologies. You will design opto-mechanical and vacuum systems for quantum sensors with strong emphasis on personal responsibility and teamwork.

This role requires leading mechanical architecture, applying simulations (FEA/CFD), and governing UHV workflows, with a focus on manufacturability and cross-disciplinary integration.