Senior Optical & Hardware Integration Engineer
About The Position
We are seeking a highly hands-on, senior engineer to support the integration, build, and validation of advanced quantum hardware systems. This role sits at the intersection of optics, mechanical, and electrical systems, with primary responsibility for translating complex designs into functional, flight-ready hardware. The successful candidate is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy to develop and execute build processes, design and refine test methodologies, and troubleshoot issues across prototype, validation, and production phases. This is a deeply cross-functional role requiring close collaboration with physics, design engineering, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years of hands-on experience in hardware integration, test, or advanced system builds (aerospace, photonics, quantum, or similar).
- Strong background in optical systems (alignment, lasers, photonics, or precision optics).
- Demonstrated ability to independently develop and execute process development, build, integration, and test processes.
- Experience working across mechanical, electrical, and optical domains.
- Proven track record of troubleshooting complex hardware systems and driving issues to resolution.
- Experience working in lab, cleanroom, or controlled environments.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with electrical testing and instrumentation.
- Familiarity with basic electronics, wiring, and signal testing.
- Experience with shock and vibration (vibe) testing.
- Experience with inspection and metrology tools.
- Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems experience and UHV design.
- Knowledge of contamination control practices in cleanroom or controlled environments.
- Experience with materials selection and handling for precision or vacuum-compatible components.
- Statistical process control (SPC) or quality management experience.
- Experience designing custom fixtures, tooling, or test setups.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks or other 3D modeling software.
Responsibilities
- Build, evaluate, and test new hardware designs, identifying issues, limitations, and opportunities for improvement.
- Build, operate, and maintain test setups to perform mechanical and system-level validation.
- Perform rigorous testing and troubleshoot failures to implement corrective actions.
- Conduct inspection, metrology, and quality verification to ensure build accuracy.
- Develop and maintain formal test procedures and production documentation.
- Apply risk mitigation and reliability practices (e.g., FMEA) to manufacturing and testing processes.
- Independently research and implement new techniques, processes, and tools to improve hardware performance and manufacturability.
- Collaborate with engineering and physics teams to support design validation, integration, and prototype iteration.
Benefits
- Direct impact on cutting-edge quantum hardware.
- Ownership of building, assembly, manufacturing, testing, and problem-solving processes in a fast-paced, build-centric environment.
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary startup culture.
- Competitive salary, equity, and benefits.
- Salary range: $130,000 to 170,000
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
- Employer-funded Health Savings Account
- Unlimited PTO
- 401(k) match
- Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- Flexible Savings Account
- Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Student Loan Repayment
- Equity Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
