Laser Systems Engineer (UK) in Harwell

QuEra Computing is pioneering the future of quantum computing. We are seeking a Laser Systems Engineer to join our Laser Systems Group as the first UK-based member — a hands-on, end-to-end role for an engineer or scientist with deep expertise in laser systems and their applications in quantum computing. The Laser Systems Engineer will serve as the primary local point of contact for laser systems at QuEra’s Harwell facility, supporting the latest generation of QuEra’s QPU and contributing to QuEra’s global fleet operations. This role formally reports to the Head of Laser Systems in Boston; day-to-day interactions will primarily be with the QuEra UK local team. We are looking for someone comfortable operating advanced laser systems under uptime pressure, engaging in vendor co-development, and integrating laser systems into state-of-the-art neutral atom QPUs.

Responsibilities

• QPU Operational Support — UK QPU Liaison: Serve as the primary local Laser Systems lead for the latest generation of QuEra’s QPU at the Harwell site. Maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade high-precision laser systems used in neutral atom platforms. Stay synchronized with the Boston Laser Systems team on platform updates and next-generation subsystem deployments. Provide first-response coverage for laser issues at the UK site, following established procedures and escalating as appropriate. Support QPU uptime and integration with the broader Quantum Systems infrastructure.
• Local R&D and Vendor Engagement: Support the UK team’s active vendor and R&D work, serving as the on-site laser expert for locally driven initiatives. Contribute to next-generation laser system architectures, including control systems and their integration into quantum platforms. Collaborate with Boston-based Laser Systems and Quantum Systems groups to ensure alignment across global efforts.
• Global Fleet Coverage: Support continuity of QuEra’s global laser fleet operations across international sites, leveraging the UK’s time zone position between Boston and Japan. Apply and share learnings across QuEra’s international QPU deployments.
• Operations, Safety, and Knowledge Management: Ensure safe operation of Class 4 laser systems in compliance with QuEra and site-specific protocols. Develop and maintain technical documentation and standard operating procedures for UK laser operations. Contribute to Laser Systems’ engineering documentation and knowledge management practices, converting hands-on experience into durable organizational knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience operating and maintaining Class 4 laser systems.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot and maintain complex optical systems.
• Experience working in a lab or production environment with uptime expectations.
• Right to work in the UK, with ≥80% of working time based at the Harwell site.
• Ability to lift ≥20 kg and handle laser hardware.
• Fluent in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with laser systems relevant to neutral atom QPUs (e.g., Ti:Sapphire, SHG, diode lasers, fiber amplifiers).
• Familiarity with frequency stabilization techniques (e.g., PDH locking, spectroscopy, wavemeters, cavity locks, offset locking).
• Hands-on experience with laser subsystems relevant to atomic physics, including cooling and trapping, Rydberg excitation, and related wavelength regimes.
• Comfort operating systems under uptime pressure and exercising independent judgment during incidents.
• Strong skills in documentation and technical communication.
• Background in collaborative R&D and vendor co-development projects.
• Prior experience in a multi-site or production operations context.

About QuEra

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.