Laser Systems Specialist

About the role

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

• 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

Requirements

• 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
• 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.

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