Electrical Engineer - Optoelectronics/Photonics

Title: Electrical Engineer – Optoelectronics/Photonics

Department: Photonics Division

Location: Bedford, MA (On-site)

About the Role

QCi is seeking a hands-on Electromechanical Engineer to design, select, integrate, and produce electrical and mechanical hardware for advanced RF, electro-optic, optoelectronic, and photonic modules. The primary focus is PCB and hybrid assembly design, component and material selection, electrical interconnects, thermal management, and mechanical packaging. 

This engineer will work across the complete product lifecycle, from concept and component research through CAD and PCB design, prototyping, testing, qualification, documentation, and manufacturing transfer. The role requires strong practical judgment in selecting components and suppliers, narrowing specifications, and integrating designs into existing packages and new products.

What You’ll Do

Electromechanical Integration & Design

• Own electromechanical integration of PCB and hybrid assemblies, including electrical structures, bonding pads, interconnects, thermal systems, mechanical housings, and enclosures.
• Design and integrate PCBs, transmission lines, interposers, connectors, flex circuits, wire or ribbon bonds, and related interconnect technologies.
• Select PCB substrate materials, including FR-4 and ceramic options, based on electrical, thermal, mechanical, reliability, and manufacturing requirements.

• Research and select resistors, capacitors, connectors, sensors, and other electronic components using DigiKey, Mouser, approved supplier databases, datasheets, lifecycle information, and application requirements.
• Create and maintain component libraries, including symbols, footprints, sourcing data, approved alternatives, and lifecycle status.
• Co-design electrical layouts and mechanical packaging to support fit, alignment, thermal performance, manufacturability, reliability, and signal integrity.
• Specify and integrate TECs, thermistors, drivers, and control electronics; support power budgeting and thermal-management decisions.
• Develop 3D CAD models, assemblies, drawings, fixtures, tooling, and support hardware using SolidWorks or equivalent software.
• Build, troubleshoot, and test hardware; support continuity and functional testing, root-cause investigations, and corrective actions.
• Develop test automation and data-analysis tools using Python or a comparable scripting language.
• Create assembly procedures, work instructions, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and change documentation.
• Partner with manufacturing, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to improve manufacturability, yield, reliability, cost, and production readiness.
• Drive design transfer from prototype through qualification and manufacturing support.

Testing & Characterization

• Develop and execute electrical test plans, including continuity, functional, and S-parameter
• characterization.
• Develop data acquisition, automation, and analysis tools using Python or similar scripting
• languages.
• Build and qualify test fixtures, jigs, and automated measurement systems.
• Support hardware troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, and corrective actions.

Manufacturing & Productization

• Build and maintain component libraries using distributor data from Digi-Key, Mouser, and other
• approved suppliers.
• Author assembly procedures, work instructions, and engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and suppliers to improve yield, reliability, cost, and
• manufacturability
• Support qualification efforts to standards such as MIL-STD-883, Telcordia GR-468, and related
• reliability requirements.
• Drive successful transfer of designs from prototype development into manufacturing, including
• process documentation, design-for-manufacturing (DFM), yield improvement, and production
• support.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience in electromechanical product development.
• Demonstrated experience designing or integrating PCBs, electrical components, interconnects, packaging, and mechanical structures into manufacturable hardware.
• Practical experience researching and selecting PCB materials and electronic components using distributor databases, supplier resources, and technical datasheets.
• Experience with PCB design and layout using Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD, or an equivalent EDA tool.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software.
• Proficiency with Python or similar tools for test automation, data analysis, or process control.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with hardware assembly, troubleshooting, testing, and characterization.
• Ability to solve multidisciplinary electrical, mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with RF or microwave hardware, high-frequency interconnects, or related characterization. Strong PCB design experience may offset limited RF experience.
• Familiarity with HFSS, CST, or similar electromagnetic simulation tools.
• Familiarity with controlled-impedance design, S-parameters, VNA measurements, and signal-integrity concepts.
• Experience with hybrid, EO, OE, RF, semiconductor, or photonic module packaging, including die attach, wire or ribbon bonding, hermetic sealing, laser welding, or fiber attachment.
• Experience with qualification testing, MIL-STD-883, Telcordia GR-468, or other high-reliability standards.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, semiconductor, or another high-reliability hardware environment.

Export Control

This position involves access to ITAR/EAR-controlled technical data. Candidates must qualify as U.S. persons under applicable regulations. Must be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident.

Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.