Optical Engineer Co-Op

QuEra Computing • Boston, MA

3d

About The Position

QuEra Computing’s Hardware Engineering Group is seeking an Optical Engineering Co-Op to contribute to building state-of-the-art, manufacturable, and deployable neutral atom quantum computers. The Hardware Engineering Group helps advance the company’s technology leadership and translate scientific breakthroughs into products for customers.

The role is suited to a candidate pursuing undergraduate or graduate-level education in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field, with hands-on experience designing, building, and testing optical systems. The co-op will work with senior engineers, physicists, and the R&D/science team across the development lifecycle, from R&D and productization through maintenance. Work includes laboratory assembly, alignment, cleaning, and characterization; contributing to documentation, design reviews, and continuous improvement; troubleshooting at company headquarters; and potentially supporting customer-site installations in coordination with the local support team.

Compensation for this role will be between $50 and $60 per hour. QuEra is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its current and future employees.

Requirements

• Be working toward an M.S. or Ph.D. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field; an M.S. is preferred.
• Have experience designing, building, or testing optical and opto-mechanical systems in a non-academic environment, such as industry, a national lab, or an FFRDC, using enterprise engineering practices.
• Have system-level design skills, including Zemax simulation and CAD design skills, such as Inventor or Solidworks.
• Have working knowledge in several of the following areas: free-space optics, fiber optics, modulators, electro-optics, lasers, and optical system characterization and testing.
• Have strong hands-on laboratory skills, such as assembly, alignment, cleaning, and testing.
• Have 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 the development lifecycle, including R&D, productization, and maintenance.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work, including 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 R&D and help translate scientific advances into 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

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern