Senior Mechanical Technician — Hardware Engineering

QuEra Computing, Inc.•Boston, MA

3d•$125,000•Onsite

About The Position

QuEra Computing builds neutral-atom quantum computers that change the world. These machines are complex systems involving precision optics, custom electronics, liquid-cooled electronics racks, and ultra-high-vacuum systems. The Hardware Engineering group is responsible for the design, build, and delivery of these platforms. As the company moves towards repeatable, production-quality machine builds, they are seeking individuals with strong fabrication and assembly skills. This role is crucial for turning existing knowledge into standardized procedures and fixtures that can be used by contract manufacturers. It is a senior position requiring high autonomy, direct collaboration with engineers and physicists, and a focus on making builds measurable, repeatable, and safe.

Requirements

7+ years as a mechanical technician or mechanical assembler in a precision hardware environment (e.g., data center, telecom, scientific instruments, semiconductor equipment, aerospace, optics, medical devices).
Proficiency with milling machines, with the ability to hold tolerances of ±0.010" when required.
Hands-on experience with fluid systems, including fittings, tubing, manifolds, pumps, or chillers.
Experience with pressure and leak testing.
Comfort working around sensitive optics and electronics, with an understanding of cleanliness and ESD protocols.
Ability to lift 50 lb, work on ladders, work under tables, and spend most of the day on your feet in a lab environment.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document work and findings effectively.

Nice To Haves

Soldering and cable construction skills.
CNC programming (conversational or CAM) and experience setting up a small shop.
Basic CAD skills (SolidWorks or Inventor) for modeling fixtures or modifying drawings.
Experience writing work instructions or SOPs, or training others on procedures.
Familiarity with vacuum hardware, opto-mechanics, or cleanroom practices.
Experience supporting a transition to contract manufacturing, including FAI, supplier visits, and process qualification.
Welding, brazing, or sheet-metal fabrication skills.

Responsibilities

Fabricate, assemble, test, and troubleshoot mechanical and fluid systems within quantum computers.
Build and integrate mechanical subassemblies, including electronics racks, enclosures, frames, cold plates, liquid-cooling manifolds, cable management systems, and opto-mechanical module hardware.
Perform precision assembly according to documented procedures, adhering to torque specifications, cleanliness requirements, fastener control, and serialization.
Support installation and rework on operating machines, coordinating with scientists and engineers.
Execute pressure and leak tests, flow checks, and mechanical inspections, recording results and flagging deviations.
Diagnose and resolve mechanical and fluid-system problems on the production floor, escalating design issues to engineering with supporting evidence.
Assist in root-cause investigations through hands-on teardown, measurement, and recreation of failure modes.
Operate and maintain the mechanical development room and machine shop, including manual/CNC-assist mills, saws, drill presses, hand tools, and layout/inspection equipment.
Machine fixtures, brackets, adapters, and custom parts from engineering drawings or sketches, making informed decisions on tolerances, materials, and finishes.
Ensure the shop is organized, tooled, stocked, and safe, and train engineers and co-ops on safe tool usage.
Translate engineering intent into build-ready work instructions, travelers, and fixture designs.
Red-line drawings when parts do not match specifications.
Perform incoming inspection and first-article inspection on parts and assemblies from suppliers and contract manufacturers.
Travel occasionally to contract manufacturers to train technicians, qualify processes, and troubleshoot builds.
Maintain lab mechanical infrastructure, including chillers, cooling loops, racks, tables, and utilities.
Adhere to and help improve safety practices, such as lockout/tagout, liquid-cooling shutoffs, leak detection, and laser-lab conduct.
Mentor junior technicians and engineering co-ops.