Photonics Engineer

Summary

QuEra Computing, a frontrunner in the quantum computing industry, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced full-stack Photonic Engineer to help build the AI-driven component development pipelines that will accelerate next-generation photonic chip development. You will explore state-of-the-art optimization workflows, directly improving how quickly our engineers can iterate and tape out novel photonic components for large-scale fault-tolerant neutral-atom quantum computers.

Responsibilities

• Lead tapeouts of high-performance photonic and optoelectronic components and circuits.
• Own and build out our AI-driven component development pipelines, with early focus on the layout pipeline.
• Collaborate with foundry partners through iterative design–fab–test cycles, translating PDK constraints and fab feedback into faster convergence on working devices.
• Contribute across photonics workflow: device design, simulation, layout, test, and system-level experiments.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and quantum scientists to integrate photonic components into complete quantum computing systems.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or 4+ years of experience with photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
• Deep understanding and practical experience across PIC workflows, from simulation and layout to experimentation and control.
• Strong Python skills and a demonstrated track record of automating engineering work, including with AI tools.
• Enthusiasm for at least one of: photonic design automation, large-scale layout design, high-volume photonics testing, or photonic systems control.
• Proven technical impact, evidenced by publications, patents, or shipped products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with commercial PIC simulation tools such as Lumerical, Tidy3D, and layout tools such as gdsfactory, KLayout, gdspy, or IPKISS.
• Applied ML or AI for device design or layout optimization, such as inverse design, Bayesian optimization, or LLM-assisted design or layout workflows.
• Direct experience with a specific foundry PDK and its design-rule constraints.
• Experience with the development of optical components and systems for atomic physics, such as high-power visible/near-IR light, AOM/EOM control, beam delivery for atom trapping or Rydberg excitation.
• Prior work in quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communication, or another physics-heavy hardware environment.

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.