Laser Systems Engineer

<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p></p> <p>QuEra Computing is seeking a Laser Systems Engineer to support the development and evaluation of laser subsystems used in neutral-atom quantum computing platforms. This role will serve as a key technical liaison for vendor collaboration and test and evaluation activities.</p> <p>The engineer will work closely with QuEra’s Laser Systems and Quantum Systems teams to support subsystem testing, qualification, and scaling efforts. A core responsibility of this role is coordinating with vendors and partners to ensure that laser and photonic subsystems meet performance, reliability, and integration requirements as QuEra’s quantum computing systems scale.</p> <p>This position will also serve as the on-site technical interface for test and evaluation activities associated with DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) and related programs. The role involves coordinating subsystem evaluation, test protocols, and milestone documentation.</p> <p>The ideal candidate combines hands-on experience with advanced laser systems, strong experimental troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work effectively with external partners and multidisciplinary engineering teams.</p> <p>~20% travel to partner facilities and vendor sites is required.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Laser System Scaling and Architecture Development</span></p> <ul> <li>Work closley with our Laser System team on supporting the development and scaling of QuEra’s laser infrastructure as quantum systems grow in size and complexity.</li> <li>Explore approaches for increasing optical power, stability, and scalability across multi-wavelength laser systems together with the laser system and quantum hardware team.</li> <li>Evaluate potential architectures, technologies, and vendor solutions that support higher-power and more scalable laser subsystems.</li> <li>Contribute to technical discussions and experiments aimed at improving laser system performance, reliability, and manufacturability as systems transition from experimental prototypes toward larger-scale deployments.</li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Vendor Collaboration and Subsystem Qualification</span></p> <ul> <li>Serve as the technical point of contact for vendors developing laser and optical subsystems.</li> <li>Coordinate subsystem testing, qualification, and integration activities with external partners.</li> <li>Support vendor evaluation, component qualification, and performance verification for critical optical hardware.</li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">QBI Testing and Evaluation Liaison</span></p> <ul> <li>Serve as the on-site technical interface for Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) test and evaluation activities.</li> <li>Coordinate with QuEra’s Laser Systems team to define subsystem test procedures, instrumentation requirements, and evaluation protocols.</li> <li>Support milestone documentation, technical reporting, and data collection for federal research programs.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Additional Responsibilities</strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <ul> <li>Collaborate with photonics, optics, and quantum systems teams to define subsystem interface requirements and integration workflows.</li> <li>Assist with development of test infrastructure for evaluating laser performance, stability, and reliability.</li> <li>Support procurement, documentation, and lifecycle management of laser and optical components.</li> <li>Contribute to development of operational procedures, safety practices, and technical documentation for laser systems.</li> <li>Participate in cross-site coordination with QuEra engineering teams and external research partners.</li> </ul> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p></p> <p><strong><span class="notion-enable-hover" data-token-index="0">Qualifications</span></strong></p> <p></p> <ul> <li>5+ years of hands-on experience operating or maintaining advanced laser systems.</li> <li>Experience working with free-space optics, fiber optics, and optomechanical assemblies.</li> <li>Strong skills in optical alignment, beam diagnostics, and troubleshooting complex optical systems.</li> <li>Familiarity with laser control electronics, feedback systems, or instrumentation used in optical experiments.</li> <li>Experience working in laboratory or prototype environments with uptime or experimental reliability requirements.</li> <li>Solid understanding of laser safety practices for high-power optical systems.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></p> <p></p> <ul> <li>Master’s or Ph.D. in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field.</li> <li>Experience with AMO systems, cold-atom experiments, or photonics platforms for quantum technologies.</li> <li>Familiarity with laser stabilization techniques (familiarity with laser characterization and performance verification techniques).</li> <li>Experience collaborating with external vendors or research partners on photonic or optical subsystems.</li> <li>Prior experience working on DARPA, DOE, or other federally funded R&D programs