QuEra Computing Logo

QuEra Computing

Optical Scientist - R&D

Reposted 24 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Boston, MA, USA
130K-212K Annually
Mid level
In-Office
Boston, MA, USA
130K-212K Annually
Mid level
The Optical Scientist will design and develop opto-mechanical systems, troubleshoot optical setups, and improve quantum computing technologies, collaborating across disciplines.
The summary above was generated by AI

Summary

QuEra Computing is pioneering the future of quantum computing technology. We are seeking an Optical Scientist to join our growing team and help create the world's largest and first commercially relevant quantum computing platform. 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.

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.

#LI-NB1

HQ

QuEra Computing Boston, Massachusetts, USA Office

1284 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA, United States, 02135

Similar Jobs

Yesterday
Hybrid
Boston, MA, USA
191K-239K Annually
Senior level
191K-239K Annually
Senior level
Consumer Web • eCommerce • Software
Lead technical direction for consumer-facing AI initiatives serving 45 million monthly visitors. Design, build, deploy, and operate full-stack agentic and LLM applications using Python, LangChain, LangGraph, and Langfuse. Guide AI infrastructure, evaluation, observability, scalability, and tooling decisions; establish engineering patterns and platform roadmaps; mentor engineers; collaborate with Product, UX, Analytics, and data teams; and document architectural decisions and best practices.
Top Skills: AWSJavaLangchainLangfuseLanggraphPythonReactRest
Yesterday
Hybrid
Boston, MA, USA
144K-181K Annually
Senior level
144K-181K Annually
Senior level
Consumer Web • eCommerce • Software
The Manager of Data Science will lead a team focused on machine learning model development, team management, and cross-functional collaboration to advance product goals.
Top Skills: AWSNumpyPandasPythonPyTorchScikit-LearnXgboost
Yesterday
Hybrid
Boston, MA, USA
128K-150K Annually
Senior level
128K-150K Annually
Senior level
Artificial Intelligence • Fintech • Greentech • Sales • Software • Travel • Hospitality
Own Perk’s US and UK PR strategy, building Tier 1 financial and business media relationships, securing earned coverage, shaping corporate narratives, and profiling C-suite executives. Manage proactive and reactive communications, crisis response, agency relationships, and executive media preparation. Translate complex technology and AI developments into compelling stories, use AI tools to improve PR workflows, and measure performance through coverage, share-of-voice, and inbound metrics.
Top Skills: AI

What you need to know about the Boston Tech Scene

Boston is a powerhouse for technology innovation thanks to world-class research universities like MIT and Harvard and a robust pipeline of venture capital investment. Host to the first telephone call and one of the first general-purpose computers ever put into use, Boston is now a hub for biotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence — though it’s also home to several B2B software giants. So it’s no surprise that the city consistently ranks among the greatest startup ecosystems in the world.

Key Facts About Boston Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 269,000; 9.4% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Thermo Fisher Scientific, Toast, Klaviyo, HubSpot, DraftKings
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, software, aerospace
  • Funding Landscape: $15.7 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Summit Partners, Volition Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, MassVentures, Highland Capital Partners
  • Research Centers and Universities: MIT, Harvard University, Boston College, Tufts University, Boston University, Northeastern University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, National Bureau of Economic Research, Broad Institute, Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account