Staff Mechanical Engineer – Quantum Hardware & Optics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Platinum-level health coverage

Health and Dependent care FSA

Employer 401(k) contributions

Paid time off & holidays

Paid parental leave

Fully stocked kitchen

Job summary

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is advancing quantum technologies. We seek a Staff Mechanical Engineer to design opto-mechanical and vacuum systems for quantum sensors, emphasizing teamwork and personal responsibility.

You will bridge physics requirements with manufacturable solutions, lead high-precision hardware integration, and shape standards across the product roadmap in a fast-paced lab environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in Aerospace & Defense R&D or related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• U.S. export control compliance and citizenship requirements.
• CAD design proficiency in SolidWorks (5+ years).
• DFM and DFA knowledge; GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 drawings.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the mechanical architecture of quantum systems and ensure design scalability across the product roadmap.
• Lead development of next-generation quantum hardware using design standards and simulations (FEA/CFD) to mitigate risks.
• Integrate high-precision optomechanical and electromechanical assemblies, defining tolerances and alignment strategies.
• Govern UHV assembly/testing workflows with standardized protocols and modular testbeds.
• Oversee PLM strategy and partnerships to de-risk supply chain for specialized materials.
• Audit build documentation, mentor junior engineers, and ensure hardware meets qualification benchmarks.

Skills

Aerospace & Defense R&D

SolidWorks CAD

GD&T & tolerance analysis

Design for Manufacturing / DFA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

FEA/CFD software

Job description

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is advancing quantum technologies. We seek a Staff Mechanical Engineer to design opto-mechanical and vacuum systems for quantum sensors, emphasizing teamwork and personal responsibility.

You will bridge physics requirements with manufacturable solutions, lead high-precision hardware integration, and shape standards across the product roadmap in a fast-paced lab environment.