Optical Engineer Co-Op

QuEra Computing, Inc. • Boston, MA

4d • $50 - $60

About The Position

QuEra Computing’s Hardware Engineering Group is seeking an Optical Engineering Co-Op to contribute to the development of state-of-the-art, manufacturable, and deployable neutral atom quantum computers. The group helps translate scientific breakthroughs into products for customers. The role is suited to a candidate pursuing undergraduate or graduate education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics who has hands-on experience designing, building, and testing optical systems and wants to develop as an engineer in an enterprise engineering environment.

The co-op will work with senior engineers and physicists throughout the development lifecycle, from R&D and productization through maintenance. The work includes hands-on laboratory assembly, alignment, cleaning, and characterization of optical systems, along with engineering documentation, design reviews, and continuous improvement. The position also supports collaboration with the R&D/science team, troubleshooting at company headquarters, and, as needed, off-site installations at customer locations in coordination with the local support team. Compensation is stated as between $50 and $60 per hour.

Requirements

• Work toward an M.S. or Ph.D. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field; an M.S. is preferred.
• Experience designing, building, or testing optical and opto-mechanical systems in a non-academic environment, such as industry, a national lab, or an FFRDC, with enterprise engineering practices.
• System-level design skills, including Zemax simulation and CAD design skills, such as Inventor or SolidWorks.
• Working knowledge in several of the following areas: free-space optics, fiber optics, modulators, electro-optics, lasers, and optical system characterization and testing.
• Strong hands-on laboratory skills, including assembly, alignment, cleaning, and testing.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication, and documentation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience contributing to the design of scientific instruments and apparatuses, or bringing optical systems from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior engineers and physicists to design, build, and test optical subsystems, modules, and components for neutral atom computers throughout their development lifecycle.
• Perform laboratory assembly, alignment, cleaning, and characterization of optical systems.
• Contribute to engineering documentation, design reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with the R&D/science team to support research and translate scientific advances into future products.
• Assist with troubleshooting technical issues at company headquarters.
• As needed, support off-site installations at customer locations in coordination with the local support team.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern