Principal Mechanical Engineer

About Us

We are building scalable, fault-tolerant neutral atom quantum computers that harness the power of atomic physics, precision engineering, and advanced control systems. Our interdisciplinary team combines quantum scientists, optical mechanical and electrical engineers, and software developers to push the boundaries of what’s physically possible.

About The Role

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical system design, precision engineering, and infrastructure architecture that enable high-fidelity, scalable neutral atom quantum systems. This role will own key aspects of system design and integration — from mechanical precision and thermal stability to automated alignment and digital design workflows — ensuring that our hardware meets the demands of world-class quantum performance.

You will be responsible for end-to-end ownership of mechanical design and integration, partnering closely with physics, optical, and controls teams to deliver robust, high-precision, and manufacturable systems.

Key Areas of Ownership

• Alignment and Calibration Design for Automation – Lead the mechanical and control architecture for automated alignment, calibration, and repeatability across complex opto-mechanical subsystems.
• Thermal and Vibration Management – Architect and own thermal control systems, including liquid cooling infrastructure, vibration isolation, and dynamic stability of quantum system platforms.
• Precision Engineering – Develop ultra-stable, tightly-toleranced assemblies supporting optical and atomic positioning requirements.
• Systems Engineering (SysML) – Apply systems engineering principles and SysML modeling to define interfaces, requirements, and traceability across mechanical, electrical, and optical domains.
• PLM / Digital Thread – Establish and maintain a robust product lifecycle management (PLM) framework, ensuring a seamless digital thread from concept through production.
• CAD Ownership – Oversee mechanical CAD architecture, standards, libraries, and best practices across the engineering organization.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical design and system integration of major quantum hardware subsystems.
• Develop and execute precision alignment and calibration strategies in partnership with controls and optical engineers.
• Model, simulate, and validate thermal and vibrational behavior to ensure operational stability.
• Lead cross-disciplinary design reviews and implement system-level design traceability using SysML tools.
• Drive PLM processes, configuration management, and digital twin implementation.
• Mentor and guide mechanical engineers on best practices for CAD design, analysis, and documentation.
• Collaborate closely with physics and manufacturing teams to ensure experimental and production alignment.
  
  

Qualifications

Required:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10 years 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 tools (e.g., SolidWorks or Inventor), PLM and digital thread practices, and analysis tools.
• Experience implementing systems engineering frameworks (SysML, MBSE).
• Proven success in leading complex, multi-disciplinary hardware development programs from concept through to production
• Collaborative mindset
  
  

Preferred:

• Background in atomic physics, quantum systems, or UHV opto-mechanical design.
• Experience developing and scaling automation systems for precision alignment or calibration.
• Hands-on experience with precision assembly, metrology, and validation testing.
• Strong communication and leadership skills across technical and executive teams.
  
  

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.