Test Engineer for Photonics Physics Package - 970

Quantinuum; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 131,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantinuum in Broomfield, CO is seeking a Test Engineer for Photonics Physics Package to support trapped-ion photonics R&D. You will build and operate a cryogenic, ultra-high vacuum test stand and collaborate with engineers to translate objectives into fixtures and experiments.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and extensive hands-on hardware experience, Python programming, and test automation. You will document procedures, analyze results, and contribute to scalable quantum hardware for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• 4+ years in hardware build, integration, and test in vacuum/cryogenic or photonics.
• 2+ years Python experience.
• 3+ years hands-on hardware assembly with tools and wiring.
• 1+ year test automation experience.
• U.S. Person status required.
• No PRC/Russia nationals unless US citizen.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and operation of a cryogenic test stand.
• Translate test objectives into fixtures and setups with cross-functional teams.
• Define requirements and assemble complete test systems for cryo vacuum chambers.
• Develop and execute test plans ensuring safe operations with cryogens, vacuum, and lasers.
• Automate hardware, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Document test plans and findings with instrumentation details.
• Analyze data to support iterative development.

Skills

Hardware integration

Test automation

Python

Cryogenics

Vacuum systems

Optical hardware

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Onshape

FEA

PCB design

Job description

We are seeking a Test Engineer for Photonics Physics Package to support trapped-ion integrated photonics R&D at our Broomfield, CO location.

Our team develops optics and integrated photonics technologies that enable scaling of our trapped-ion quantum computers from our current 98-qubit Helios system to our future Lumos system with hundreds of thousands of qubits. The data, designs, and expertise from our group inform our next-generation systems, from the overall architecture to the tiniest of details. We are looking for more engineers and scientists to join our cross-disciplinary team.

All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, build, and operation of a new quick-turn cryogenic and vacuum test stand for characterizing and validating components and systems for ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic operation
• Collaborate closely with engineers and scientists to translate test objectives into effective sample fixtures, test hardware, and experimental setups, drawing on cross-functional expertise throughout design and execution.
• Define requirements, configure equipment specifications, and assemble a complete test system for controlling and interfacing with cryo vacuum chambers
• Develop and execute test plans to generate reliable test results while maintaining safe operating conditions working with cryogens, ultra-high vacuum, and lasers
• Automate hardware, processes, data acquisition, and data analysis
• Build test samples, ultra-high vacuum systems, and test & measurement systems to specifications, including troubleshooting issues and failures as needed
• Generate detailed documentation of test plans and findings, including details on test instrumentation, processes, and specific sample setup
• Analyze and interpret data to provide feedback and recommendations to support iterative development

YOU MUST HAVE

• Bachelor’s degree minimum
• Minimum 4 years’ experience (advanced degree inclusive) in hardware building, integration, and test in one or more of the following areas: ultrahigh vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, coherent optical systems, integrated photonics systems
• Minimum 2 years’ experience (degree inclusive) in python programming or related language
• Minimum 3 years’ experience (advanced degree inclusive) with hands‑on build and assembly of scientific hardware and systems using hand-tools, fasteners, electrical wiring, etc.
• Minimum 1 year experience (advanced degree inclusive) in test automation using programming and/or control systems
• Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
• Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE

• Master’s degree in instrumentation, in mechanical engineering, engineering physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, engineering, physics, or physical science
• Broad understanding of fundamental optical, mechanical, thermal, and/or cryogenic principles and practices, and experience applying this knowledge in detail to engineering or scientific projects
• Experience with test & measurement equipment, such as power supplies, function generators, electronic loads, multimeters, network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, rf signal generators
• Experience in scripting tests and automation using Python or similar programming language
• Experience in four or more of the following areas:
  • ultra-high vacuum principles and equipment
  • cryogenic principles and equipment
  • mechanical design and analysis tools, including 3D CAD systems such as Onshape and finite element analysis (FEA)
  • handling chemicals and choosing adhesives
  • using standard laboratory equipment such as microscopes, ovens, fume hoods
  • free-space optics, fiber optics, integrated photonics, and/or lasers
  • basic laboratory electronics, such as PCB design, soldering, assembling electrical connectors and cables
  • Experience working in a laboratory, production, or cleanroom environment with cleanliness and ESD awareness
  • Ability to read and follow simple electrical and mechanical schematics and assembly documentation
  • Experience working in a team and collaborating across disciplines
  • Deep curiosity and interest in learning new things

$131,000 - $176,000 a year

Compensation & Benefits

The pay range for this role is $131,000 – $176,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate’s skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.

QUANTUM ROLE CONTEXT | Appended by Quantum.Jobs v2

Role context

This engineering role exists to validate physical optoelectronic hardware, vacuum systems, and cryogenic sub‑assemblies before integration into broader hardware platforms. Positioned between design engineers, optical physicists, and systems integration teams, the position translates experimental testing objectives into reliable physical test setups. By assembling specialized test stands, executing characterization protocols, and analyzing physical data, test engineers provide vital empirical feedback to component designers, ensuring sub‑assemblies meet required mechanical, thermal, and optical operating criteria during early-stage technology development.

Quantum ecosystem relevance

The role provides critical enabling infrastructure support for trapped-ion quantum computing architectures by validating photonic and environmental subsystems. Integrated photonics, ultra‑high vacuum environments, and cryogenic controls serve as foundational elements for stabilizing physical qubits and scaling control systems. Testing engineers ensure these underlying hardware components perform reliably under extreme operating conditions, helping reduce physical failure modes in complex quantum processor assemblies and facilitating the continuous physical scaling of experimental hardware stacks.

Capability signals

• Development and operation of specialized cryogenic and ultra‑high vacuum test equipment
• Integration of custom sample fixtures, optical hardware, and experimental laboratory setups
• Scripting test automation, automated data acquisition, and scientific data analysis pipelines
• Hands‑on assembly of mechanical, electrical, and optical testing instrumentation and assemblies
• Empirical characterization and validation of integrated photonics and coherent optical hardware components