Optical Engineer

Key Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior engineers and physicists to design, build, and test optical sub-systems, modules, and components supporting QuEra’s neutral atom computers through the full development lifecycle (R&D, productization, maintenance, and beyond).
• Execute hands-on laboratory work—assembly, alignment, cleaning, and characterization of optical systems—and contribute to engineering documentation, design reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Cook up with the R&D/science team to support cutting-edge R&D and help translate scientific advances into the next generation of products.
• Assist with troubleshooting technical issues at company headquarters and, as needed, support off-site installations at customer locations (in coordination with the local support team).

Qualifications

• B.S. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field (M.S. preferred).
• 2-5 years work experience designing, building, or testing optical and opto-mechanical systems in a non-academic (industry, national lab, FFRDC or similar) environment with enterprise engineering practices.
• Strong system-level design skills including Zemax simulation skills and CAD design skills (e.g. Inventor, Solidworks)
• Working knowledge in several of the areas of - Free-space optics - Fiber optics - Modulators - Electro-optics - Lasers - Optical system characterization and testing
• Strong hands-on laboratory skills (e.g. assembly, alignment, cleaning, testing)
• Experience contributing to the design of scientific instruments and apparatuses, or to bringing optical systems from concept to production.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication, and documentation skills

Pay

$130,000 - $170,000

Schedule

Full-time