Laser Systems Engineer

Summary

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.

The engineer will work closely with QuEras 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 QuEras quantum computing systems scale.

This position will also serve as the on-site technical interface for test and evaluation activities associated with DARPAs Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) and related programs. The role involves coordinating subsystem evaluation test protocols and milestone documentation.

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.

20% travel to partner facilities and vendor sites is required.

Responsibilities

Laser System Scaling and Architecture Development

• Work closley with our Laser System team on supporting the development and scaling of QuEras laser infrastructure as quantum systems grow in size and complexity.
• Explore approaches for increasing optical power stability and scalability across multi-wavelength laser systems together with the laser system and quantum hardware team.
• Evaluate potential architectures technologies and vendor solutions that support higher-power and more scalable laser subsystems.
• 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.

Vendor Collaboration and Subsystem Qualification

• Serve as the technical point of contact for vendors developing laser and optical subsystems.
• Coordinate subsystem testing qualification and integration activities with external partners.
• Support vendor evaluation component qualification and performance verification for critical optical hardware.

QBI Testing and Evaluation Liaison

• Serve as the on-site technical interface for Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) test and evaluation activities.
• Coordinate with QuEras Laser Systems team to define subsystem test procedures instrumentation requirements and evaluation protocols.
• Support milestone documentation technical reporting and data collection for federal research programs.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with photonics optics and quantum systems teams to define subsystem interface requirements and integration workflows.
• Assist with development of test infrastructure for evaluating laser performance stability and reliability.
• Support procurement documentation and lifecycle management of laser and optical components.
• Contribute to development of operational procedures safety practices and technical documentation for laser systems.
• Participate in cross-site coordination with QuEra engineering teams and external research partners.

Qualifications

• 5 years of hands-on experience operating or maintaining advanced laser systems.
• Experience working with free-space optics fiber optics and optomechanical assemblies.
• Strong skills in optical alignment beam diagnostics and troubleshooting complex optical systems.
• Familiarity with laser control electronics feedback systems or instrumentation used in optical experiments.
• Experience working in laboratory or prototype environments with uptime or experimental reliability requirements.
• Solid understanding of laser safety practices for high-power optical systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters or Ph.D. in Optics Physics Electrical Engineering Photonics or a related field.
• Experience with AMO systems cold-atom experiments or photonics platforms for quantum technologies.
• Familiarity with laser stabilization techniques (familiarity with laser characterization and performance verification techniques).
• Experience collaborating with external vendors or research partners on photonic or optical subsystems.
• Prior experience working on DARPA DOE or other federally funded R&D programs and preparing milestone documentation.
• Strong technical communication and documentation skills.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race religion color national origin gender gender expression sexual orientation age marital status veteran status disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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