QPU Build Co-Op – Optics & Data Analysis

QuEra Computing, Inc.
Boston +1 more
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Best suited to candidates with hands-on optics lab experience and strong Python data analysis skills working in quantum computing and atomic physics research environments. This on-site role in Boston emphasizes collaboration with physicists and engineers.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with hands-on optics lab experience and strong Python data analysis skills working in quantum computing and atomic physics research environments
    — “Hands-on optics lab experience (e.g., alignment, beam characterization, working with lasers and optical components) is required.”
  • Individuals seeking to contribute to system integration and gain a holistic view of quantum computer architecture
    — “You’ll get a holistic view of how a quantum computer is designed and built at QuEra Computing Inc.”
  • Those with a background in physics or engineering and a demonstrated ability to work independently
    — “Strong evidence of independent work.”

Things to consider

  • This is an on-site role with no relocation support, requiring immediate availability
    — “This is an on-site Co-Op/Internship. Relocation is not offered for this role.”
  • The role prefers candidates who can start immediately and may not accommodate delayed timelines
    — “Immediate start date preferred.”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize experience with optical characterization and system-level problem-solving in your resume and interview responses
    — “Design and run measurements to characterize optical components and systems used in neutral-atom quantum computing”
  • Showcase your ability to translate data into actionable insights for engineering and physics teams
    — “Turn findings into clear, actionable feedback for the team.”
  • Highlight your use of Python scientific stack tools in data analysis projects
    — “Analyze measurement and experimental data using the Python scientific stack.”
  • Demonstrate experience with CAD or optical design software if available, as it is a preferred qualification
    — “Experience with CAD design in Autodesk Inventor and/or optical design in Zemax.”
  • Mention any exposure to atomic physics or quantum computing experiments to align with preferred qualifications
    — “Exposure to atomic physics or quantum computing experiments.”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • characterizing optical systems
  • analyzing experimental data
  • improving system performance
Typical background
degree in physics, optics/photonics, engineeringhands-on optics lab experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Optics Lab ExperiencePython ProgrammingData AnalysisProblem-solving

Preferred

HolographySpatial Light ModulatorsDiffractive OpticsCAD DesignOptical Design

Stack & domain

PythonNumPyScipyPandasMatplotlibOptics Lab ExperienceAlignmentBeam CharacterizationLasersOptical ComponentsHolographySpatial Light ModulatorsDiffractive OpticsMetasurfacesCAD Design In Autodesk InventorOptical Design In ZemaxProblem-solvingAnalytical SkillsCommunicationTeamworkIndependent WorkOpticsAtomic PhysicsData ScienceNeutral-atom Quantum Computer ArchitectureOptical SystemsBeam-shaping OpticsAtom-trapping SetupsMeasurement And Experimental DataReproducible ResultsFeedbackAtomic Physics PipelinePerformance And Reliability

About the role

Original posting from QuEra Computing, Inc. via Greenhouse

In this Co-Op/Internship you’ll work at the intersection of optics, atomic physics, and data science. The QPU Build team designs and implements system-wide features of QuEra’s neutral-atom quantum computer architecture. You’ll work hands-on in the lab characterizing the optical systems that trap and control atoms and turn those measurements into insights that drive improvements across the machine. Along the way, you’ll get a holistic view of how a quantum computer is designed and built at QuEra Computing Inc.

Responsibilities

Optical Measurements: Design and run measurements to characterize optical components and systems used in neutral-atom quantum computing, including lasers, beam-shaping optics, and atom-trapping setups. Assist with building, aligning, and troubleshooting optical setups in the lab.

Data Analysis: Analyze measurement and experimental data using the Python scientific stack. Build tools and workflows that make results reproducible, and turn findings into clear, actionable feedback for the team.

System Integration Support: Work with physicists and engineers to bring optical subsystems into the broader atomic physics pipeline and help identify ways to improve performance and reliability.

Qualifications

Pursuing or recently completed a degree in physics, optics/photonics, engineering, or a related field.

Hands-on optics lab experience (e.g., alignment, beam characterization, working with lasers and optical components) is required.

Strong Python programming skills for data analysis (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib).

Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Strong evidence of independent work.

A deep background in quantum physics isn’t required, but a solid foundation in physics and mathematics.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with holography, spatial light modulators, diffractive optics and/or metasurfaces.

Experience with CAD design in Autodesk Inventor and/or optical design in Zemax.

Exposure to atomic physics or quantum computing experiments.

This is an on-site Co-Op/Internship. Relocation is not offered for this role. Immediate start date preferred.

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.

Source: QuEra Computing, Inc. careers (Greenhouse)

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