Optical Scientist - R&D

QuEra Computing, Inc.

$130K — $211K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics or closely related field
  • 3-6 years of hands-on experience in precision optical systems, opto-mechanical design, or laser systems
  • Strong practical skills with precision laser and optical components in a lab setting
  • Collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work

Responsibilities

  • Design and deploy opto-mechanical systems for quantum computing
  • Characterize and troubleshoot precision laser and imaging systems
  • Optimize existing quantum computing machines' performance
  • Collaborate with team members to develop new experimental concepts
  • Contribute to developing experimental procedures and best practices

Benefits

  • Equity grants for all new hires
  • Support for reliable and repeatable system performance
  • Exposure to a world-class team of scientists and engineers
  • Hands-on experience in cutting-edge quantum hardware development
  • Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
Full Job Description
Summary

You will work closely with a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and developers to build and advance the most powerful neutral-atom quantum computers in the world. This is a hands-on experimental role at the intersection of atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics and cutting-edge quantum hardware development.

Responsibilities
  • Design, prototype, and deploy opto-mechanical systems for next-generation quantum computing platforms, with a focus on hands-on experimental implementation in a lab environment.
  • Characterize, optimize, and troubleshoot precision laser and imaging optical systems, ensuring performance meets the demanding requirements of neutral-atom quantum processors.
  • Improve the performance, and operability of existing proof-of-concept quantum computing machines.
  • Collaborate with scientists and engineers across disciplines to develop and refine new experimental concepts and optical architectures.
  • Contribute to the development of experimental procedures, documentation, and best practices to support reliable and repeatable system performance.

Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics or a closely related field.
  • 3-6 years of hands-on experimental experience in precision optical systems, opto-mechanical design, or laser systems, including industry or postdoctoral experience.
  • Strong practical skills with precision laser systems, optical components, and imaging systems in a lab setting.
  • A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in highly interdisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with neutral-atom, ion trap, or other quantum computing or quantum sensing platforms.
  • Familiarity with opto-mechanical design tools and practices.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Experience translating experimental concepts into robust, deployable hardware.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $130,400 - $211,900.

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly. We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience. In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.

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