Summary
Laser Systems is QuEra’s horizontal laser infrastructure program, owning the full lifecycle of laser systems — from source to QPU optical interface — across all machine generations and global sites. As QuEra scales its machine portfolio, the team requires dedicated hands-on specialist technician capacity for time-sensitive build, assembly, and installation work.
The Laser Systems Specialist will own small-batch build and assembly support for optical subsystems and will perform physical installation of laser systems across a range of platforms — including optical tables, rack cabinets, and custom enclosures. Many of the components involved are long-lead, fragile, and high-value; this role demands the highest level of precision and physical discipline. It is a hands-on, execution-focused position requiring both meticulous care and the ability to deliver under tight timelines.
Responsibilities
- Execute assembly work in both "cold" and "hot" status: cold assembly covers passive optical builds (mounts, beam routing, fiber connections) without live laser power; hot assembly involves working on or near optically charged systems, requiring heightened safety awareness, beam hazard discipline, and close coordination with Laser Systems Engineers
- Prepare assembled subsystems for shipment to international sites (Japan, UK, and future locations): packaging for vibration and humidity sensitivity, export compliance support (ITAR/EAR documentation), and coordination with logistics and receiving teams to ensure systems arrive integration-ready
- Install and integrate laser subsystems across platforms: optical tables, rack-mounted enclosures, and custom integration hardware; support alignment and system verification in both powered-down and live-laser conditions
- Execute small-batch prototype builds with fast turnaround, handling components that are too small in volume or too time-sensitive for contract manufacturing
- Apply advanced PM fiber splicing techniques — fusion splicing with PM axis alignment, loss verification, and end-face qualification — as part of permanent low-loss signal chain construction
- Handle high-value and fragile optical components with appropriate care, cleanliness, and anti-static protocols
- Document all build steps, component configurations, and revisions in internal systems (Confluence, JIRA)
- Support on-site troubleshooting and maintenance of installed laser systems across the machine fleet
- Contribute to improvement of assembly procedures, fixtures, and tooling
Qualifications
- S., B.S., or equivalent hands-on technical training in optics, photonics, precision assembly, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience assembling and aligning free-space optical systems (mirrors, lenses, beam splitters, waveplates, AOMs/EOMs, or similar)
- Advanced PM fiber splicing expertise: fusion splicing, PM axis alignment, loss measurement, and splicer qualification
- Broader fiber-optic proficiency: connectorization, FC/APC/PC polishing, fiber routing, and power measurement
- Proven ability to handle fragile, high-value, and long-lead optical components with zero-defect discipline
- Ability to work from engineering drawings, optical layouts, and assembly procedures independently
- Comfort with opto-mechanical hardware across form factors: optical breadboards, cage systems, and rack-mounted enclosures
- Rigorous documentation habits — build steps, serial numbers, and configuration states recorded as a matter of course
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in a laser lab, photonics manufacturing, or precision optical assembly environment
- PM splicing experience extending into active fiber signal chains (amplifier seed delivery, pre-amplifier interconnects)
- Laser safety discipline for hot assembly work: comfort operating near live high-power beams, familiarity with interlocked enclosures, beam dump practices, and Class 3B/4 laser handling procedures
- Ability to read optical and mechanical CAD drawings (Zemax, SolidWorks, or equivalent)
- Exposure to laser characterization equipment: power meters, beam profilers, optical spectrum analyzers
- Experience in a prototype or R&D build environment (university lab, national lab, or early-stage company)
The approximate base salary range for this position is $90,000 - $140,000.
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.
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