Optical Integration Engineer

IonQ•Bothell, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an Optical Integration Engineer to join the Quantum Networking team at IonQ. This critical role entails subsystem integration of optical, mechanical, and electrical components into complex systems. Hands-on experience is required, as well as the ability to follow work instructions, develop new procedures, perform measurements, and work closely with engineering teams to troubleshoot problems and develop processes. Mechanical assembly, optical alignments, electronics mounting, and cable routing experience is ideal.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Photonics, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
2–5 years of experience in optical components, aerospace, optical communications, photonics, or precision optics manufacturing
Experience in an assembly, integration, or optical alignment environment
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Computer literacy (Microsoft Office, data entry systems, basic Linux)
Maintains a clean & organized workspace
Ability to travel up to 30% of the time
Extremely detail-oriented with a rigorous and disciplined mindset
Strong documentation and traceability skills
Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams
High reliability, accountability, and ownership
Excellent cross functional communication and collaboration skills in a diverse team environment
Mission-driven and team-oriented mindset
Strong verbal and written communication
Ability to effectively present data and results

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in Optics, Photonics, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of experience in optical components, aerospace, optical communications, photonics, or precision optics manufacturing
Experience with optical alignment techniques, bench-top setups, and complex optical systems
Experience in R&D environments
Experience with mechanical and optical bonding & adhesives
Enthusiasm to work with engineering to improve/develop work instructions, providing feedback, and experience in technical writing
Experience working closely with optomechanical or mechanical engineers to set requirements including necessary degrees of freedom in a design
Knowledge of optical and mechanical design and manufacturing processes
Experience with product development lifecycle including design verification, design validation, and design maturation
Demonstrated experience with industry and design best practices
Experience developing specifications for optical/optomechanical/optoelectronic components and assemblies
Experience with optical design software (e.g., ZEMAX) and mechanical design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Siemens NX)
Mechanical integration experience including, chiller systems, mechanical structures, pressurized, cryogenic, and high vacuum systems
Familiarity with cable and fiber optic harnessing
Experience with data analysis or processing tools such as, MATLAB or Python

Responsibilities

Perform precision optical alignment and integration of components and assemblies
Follow and execute work instructions and alignment procedures
Support the development and improvement of assembly and alignment processes
Perform inspection and measurement of optomechanical assemblies
Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot alignment and performance issues
Maintain accurate documentation for traceability
Handle sensitive optical hardware in accordance with cleanroom and contamination control standards
Integration of diverse optical systems, such as free-space optical communication systems, fiber-based systems, and high-power laser applications
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and control engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of optical subsystems
Integration of control electronics and routed systems