Manufacturing Engineer
About the role
Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team. This role involves developing and scaling manufacturing processes for quantum photonics systems, including lasers, fiber assemblies, and precision opto-mechanical subsystems. The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical, electrical, optical engineering or related fields, with experience in manufacturing engineering or hardware development.
Responsibilities
- Develop and scale manufacturing processes for quantum photonics systems, including lasers, fiber assemblies, and precision opto-mechanical subsystems
- Design and implement automated assembly, test, and inspection processes for high-precision optical systems
- Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) in collaboration with R&D and physics teams
- Lead new product introduction (NPI), transitioning lab prototypes into repeatable production builds
- Build and maintain production tooling, fixtures, and automated test platforms
- Identify and reduce process variability in critical optical alignment and packaging steps
- Implement data-driven process control (SPC) and continuous improvement methodologies
- Troubleshoot complex integration issues spanning optics, electronics, vacuum systems, and controls
- Develop clear documentation (SOPs, travelers, work instructions) in a rapidly evolving environment
- Evaluate and qualify vendors for precision components and subassemblies, in collaboration with engineering and operations
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field
- 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or hardware development in a deep-tech environment (photonics, quantum, semiconductors, aerospace, etc.)
- Hands-on experience with precision assembly, including optics, fiber alignment, micro-mechanical systems, and UV-curable epoxies or precision bonding processes
- Experience developing or deploying process automation (robotics, motion stages, machine vision, or automated test systems)
- Strong debugging and root cause analysis skills in complex physical systems
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment
Preferred Experience
- Experience with frequency combs, ultra-stable lasers, atomic physics systems, frequency standards, or free space optical systems
- Familiarity with vacuum systems, thermal control, or vibration isolation
- Programming experience (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and test
- Experience with cleanroom or precision lab environments
Benefits
Vector Atomic offers competitive compensation and benefits including: Platinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision), Health and Dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Employer 401(k) contributions, 20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays, Paid parental leave, Fully stocked kitchen, and more. The pay range for this position is $110,000 to $135,000 per year.
Pay Range
The approximate base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $135,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits.