Laser Systems Engineer - Operations

Location: Boston, MA USA

Department: Laser Systems

Summary

QuEra Computing is pioneering the future of quantum computing technology. We are seeking a talented Laser Systems Engineer to join our Laser Systems group. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the operational reliability of laser and optical subsystems critical to our neutral atom quantum processors. Your work will include fiber alignment, vendor triage, RMA handling, laser uptime monitoring, and failure diagnostics. You will also ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance workflows. Your efforts will directly contribute to maintaining and improving the performance, up-time, and reliability of our quantum computing platforms, in collaboration with both internal and external partners.

The Laser Systems Engineer – Operations will be a hands-on technical owner for the uptime, serviceability, and operational readiness of laser systems used in QuEra’s Quantum Processing Units (QPUs). You will manage the day-to-day operational health of deployed systems, coordinate vendor service sessions, and lead root cause investigations for system downtime or failures. This role also involves fiber coupling automation, RMA logistics, and integration support, ensuring laser systems always meet performance specifications.  Occasional international travel is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Ownership
• Monitor, maintain, and optimize uptime for production and development laser systems.
• Lead operational response for unplanned downtime, including triage, diagnostics, and vendor escalation.
• Automated Fiber Coupling & Alignment
• Implement, maintain, and improve automated fiber coupling systems
• Collaborate with R&D and Controls teams to enhance automation performance.
• Service & Vendor Coordination
• Schedule, host, and supervise vendor service sessions for both warranty and post-warranty support.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for laser vendor communications on operational issues.
• RMA & Logistics Management
• Prepare laser units for shipment, including packaging to meet vendor and shipping standards.
• Track RMA progress and maintain clear service records.
• Integration & Support
• Assist Integration Engineer during system installation and rack deployment phases.
• Support Build and QA teams during periods without active operational events.
• Documentation & SOP Development
• Maintain operational logs, service history, and standard operating procedures for uptime-critical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Perform precision fiber alignment and maintenance to ensure optimal laser delivery and system performance.
• Monitor laser uptime, track performance metrics, and perform root-cause diagnostics for system failures.
• Manage vendor triage and coordinate Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) processes, ensuring timely resolution of component and system issues.
• Maintain and update SOPs, QA logs, and documentation to support operational consistency and compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve optical and laser system issues.
• Interface with external vendors and suppliers to address quality issues and improve component reliability.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in operations, QA, and system reliability.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Equivalent hands-on experience will also be considered.
• Experience with fiber alignment, optical subsystem maintenance, and laser system troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with RMA handling, vendor communication, and supplier quality management.
• Strong understanding of laser uptime monitoring, diagnostics, and root-cause analysis.
• Experience working with SOPs, QA logging, and documentation workflows.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a detail-oriented approach to operational challenges.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $128,000 - $208,000.

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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