What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Mechanical Engineer position at CT19?
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Boston, MA, USA
About the Company
A leading quantum computing company is developing scalable, fault-tolerant hardware powered by cutting-edge atomic physics, precision engineering, and advanced control systems. Their interdisciplinary team of quantum scientists, optical, mechanical, and electrical engineers, and software developers is pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible.
About the Role
They are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical system design, precision engineering, and infrastructure architecture for next-generation quantum platforms. This role owns critical elements of system design and integration - spanning mechanical precision, thermal stability, automated alignment, and digital design workflows - ensuring that hardware meets the demands of world-class quantum performance.
This position offers end-to-end ownership of mechanical design and integration, working closely with physics, optical, and controls teams to deliver robust, high-stability, and manufacturable systems.
Key Areas of Ownership
- Alignment and Calibration for Automation: Architect mechanical and control solutions enabling automated alignment, calibration, and repeatability across complex opto-mechanical subsystems.
- Thermal and Vibration Management: Design thermal control systems, liquid-cooling infrastructure, vibration isolation, and dynamic stability for high-precision platforms.
- Precision Engineering: Develop ultra-stable, tightly-toleranced assemblies supporting optical positioning and high-stability requirements.
- Systems Engineering (SysML): Apply systems engineering principles and SysML modeling to define interfaces, requirements, and cross-domain traceability.
- PLM / Digital Thread: Build and maintain a robust product lifecycle management framework that supports a seamless digital thread from concept to production.
- CAD Ownership: Lead mechanical CAD architecture, standards, libraries, and best-practice implementation across the engineering organization.
Responsibilities
- Own mechanical design and system integration for major quantum hardware subsystems.
- Develop and implement precision alignment and calibration strategies with optical and controls engineers.
- Model, simulate, and validate thermal and vibrational behavior to ensure operational stability.
- Lead cross-disciplinary design reviews and system-level traceability using SysML tools.
- Drive PLM processes, configuration management, and digital-twin implementation.
- Mentor mechanical engineers in CAD design, analysis, and documentation.
- Collaborate with physics and manufacturing teams to support both experimental and production hardware needs.
Qualifications
Required:
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- 10 years of experience in precision mechanical design for high-stability or opto-mechanical systems.
- Expertise in thermal management, vibration isolation, and liquid-cooling systems.
- Strong proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor), PLM systems, and analytical tools.
- Experience with systems engineering frameworks (SysML, MBSE).
- Proven track record leading complex, multi-disciplinary hardware development from concept through production.
- Highly collaborative working style.
Preferred:
- Background in atomic physics, quantum systems, or UHV opto-mechanical design.
- Experience developing scalable automation systems for precision alignment or calibration.
- Hands-on experience in precision assembly, metrology, and validation testing.
- Strong communication and leadership skills across technical and executive teams.