The Senior Optical & Hardware Integration Engineer will integrate, build, and validate advanced quantum hardware systems, collaborating with multiple engineering teams and developing test processes.
We are seeking a highly hands-on, senior engineer to support the integration, build, and validation of advanced quantum hardware systems. This role sits at the intersection of optics, mechanical, and electrical systems, with primary responsibility for translating complex designs into functional, flight-ready hardware.
The successful candidate is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy to develop and execute build processes, design and refine test methodologies, and troubleshoot issues across prototype, validation, and production phases. This is a deeply cross-functional role requiring close collaboration with physics, design engineering, systems engineering, and manufacturing teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Build, evaluate, and test new hardware designs, identifying issues, limitations, and opportunities for improvement.
- Build, operate, and maintain test setups to perform mechanical and system-level validation.
- Perform rigorous testing and troubleshoot failures to implement corrective actions.
- Conduct inspection, metrology, and quality verification to ensure build accuracy.
- Develop and maintain formal test procedures and production documentation.
- Apply risk mitigation and reliability practices (e.g., FMEA) to manufacturing and testing processes.
- Independently research and implement new techniques, processes, and tools to improve hardware performance and manufacturability.
- Collaborate with engineering and physics teams to support design validation, integration, and prototype iteration.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years of hands-on experience in hardware integration, test, or advanced system builds (aerospace, photonics, quantum, or similar).
- Strong background in optical systems (alignment, lasers, photonics, or precision optics).
- Demonstrated ability to independently develop and execute process development, build, integration, and test processes.
- Experience working across mechanical, electrical, and optical domains.
- Proven track record of troubleshooting complex hardware systems and driving issues to resolution.
- Experience working in lab, cleanroom, or controlled environments.
Nice-to-Have
- Experience with electrical testing and instrumentation.
- Familiarity with basic electronics, wiring, and signal testing.
- Experience with shock and vibration (vibe) testing.
- Experience with inspection and metrology tools.
- Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems experience and UHV design.
- Knowledge of contamination control practices in cleanroom or controlled environments.
- Experience with materials selection and handling for precision or vacuum-compatible components.
- Statistical process control (SPC) or quality management experience.
- Experience designing custom fixtures, tooling, or test setups.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks or other 3D modeling software.
What We Offer
- Direct impact on cutting-edge quantum hardware.
- Ownership of building, assembly, manufacturing, testing, and problem-solving processes in a fast-paced, build-centric environment.
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary startup culture.
- Competitive salary, equity, and benefits.
Benefits
- Salary range: $130,000 to 170,000
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
- Employer-funded Health Savings Account
- Unlimited PTO
- 401(k) match
- Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- Flexible Savings Account
- Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Student Loan Repayment
- Equity Program
Top Skills
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Testing
Laser Systems
Mechanical Engineering
Metrology
Optical Engineering
Solidworks
Infleqtion Boulder, Colorado, USA Office
3030 Sterling Circle, Boulder, CO, United States, 80301
Similar Jobs
Fintech • Software
The Senior Manager, Customer Enablement Content is responsible for creating sales messaging, competitive intelligence activation, and alignment of marketing campaigns, ensuring impactful enablement for sales teams.
Top Skills:
GongHighspotLinkedInMicrosoft Co-PilotSalesforceZoominfo
Edtech • Information Technology • Software
The Product Manager will oversee user access experiences, improve authentication workflows, partner with engineering and sales teams, and drive revenue and retention strategies for Pluralsight's products.
Top Skills:
Oauth 2.0OidcRbacSAMLScim
Fintech • Software
The Active Disclosure Account Manager manages customer relationships, renews licenses, and drives B2B software sales of financial reporting solutions.
Top Skills:
Salesforce
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute
