Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical EngineerAbout UsWe are building scalable, fault-tolerant neutral atom quantum computers that harness the power of atomic physics, precision engineering, and advanced control systems. Our interdisciplinary team combines quantum scientists, optical mechanical and electrical engineers, and software developers to push the boundaries of what’s physically possible.About the RoleWe are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical system design, system engineering, and infrastructure architecture that enable high-fidelity, scalable neutral atom quantum systems. This role will own key aspects of system design and integration — from mechanical and thermal stability to automated alignment and digital design workflows — ensuring that our hardware meets the demands of world-class quantum performance.You will be responsible for end-to-end ownership of mechanical design and integration, partnering closely with physics, optical, and controls teams to deliver robust, high-precision, and manufacturable systems.Key Areas of OwnershipThermal and Vibration Management – Architect and own thermal control systems, including liquid cooling infrastructure, vibration isolation, and dynamic stability of quantum system platforms.Systems Engineering (SysML) – Apply systems engineering principles and SysML modeling to define interfaces, requirements, and traceability across mechanical, electrical, and optical domains.PLM / Digital Thread – Establish and maintain a robust product lifecycle management (PLM) workflows and practices, ensuring a seamless digital thread from concept through production.CAD Ownership – Oversee mechanical CAD architecture, standards, libraries, and best practices across the engineering organization.DFM/DFA - Ensure smooth transfer of design to NPI at CM by ensuring design and documentation accuracy and completeness (mCAD, BOM, assembly and testing procedures and documentation, etc.).Alignment and Calibration Design for Automation – Lead the mechanical and control architecture for automated alignment, calibration, and repeatability across complex opto-mechanical subsystems.Precision Engineering – Develop robust, reliable, and stable assemblies supporting optical and electrical requirements.ResponsibilitiesOwn the architecture, design, optimization of electrical enclosures, liquid cooling and thermal/environmental control systems, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers, vibration isolation, and precision opto-mechanical assemblies through delegation and mentoring of more junior engineers.Communicate clearly and concisely across multidisciplinary teams about technical reasoning and design tradeoffs, project statuses, risks, blockers, etc.Collaborate with cross-functional teams (optical engineering, electrical engineering, controls engineering, laser engineering, software engineering, AMO physicists and other scientists) to ensure tight integration and system-level performance and reliabilityAdvocate for and help implement engineering best practices including phase-gated design process, testing, and proper documentation to enable reliability and scalability, while also balancing the need to make rapid progress in a fast moving startup environment.Contribute strategically to system roadmaps, manufacturing scaling plans, and overall hardware development strategy.Advance state-of-the-art engineering practices at QuEra through independent research, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.Coordinate closely with the R&D/science team to clearly define requirements for modules and systems, and to translate those requirements into testable acceptance criteria.QualificationsRequired:M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.10+ years in precision mechanical design for high-stability or opto-mechanical systems.Expertise in thermal management, vibration isolation, and liquid cooling systems.Strong proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks or Inventor), PLM and digital thread practices, and analysis tools.Experience implementing systems engineering frameworks (SysML, MBSE).Proven success in leading complex, multi-disciplinary hardware development programs from concept through to productionCollaborative mindsetAbility to move fast and keep multiple projects moving forward at the same timePreferred:Background in atomic physics, quantum systems, or UHV opto-mechanical design.Experience developing and scaling automation systems for precision alignment or calibration.Hands-on experience with precision assembly, metrology, and validation testing.Proven track record of taking design from concept through NPI and into sustainmentStrong communication and leadership skills across technical and executive teams.Salary Range: 150,000 - 210,000. 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.