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Job description
Role Summary
The Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer is the backbone of our hardware development. In this role you will take end-to-end ownership of our mechanical design - translating optical and system-level requirements into precise, manufacturable designs, owning everything from kinematic mount design and opto-mechanical sub-assembly development to the top-level CAD assembly and BOM. You will work at the intersection of optics, mechanics, test and manufacturing, serving as the central integrating force that pulls domain-specific work from across the engineering team into a coherent, buildable product that ships to the world's leading quantum research institutions.
Location: On-site, Chicago area
Candidates must have current US work authorization - we are unable to sponsor visas at this time.
We are an in-office company, and our expectation is that employees primarily work from their Photon Queue office 5 days a week. However, we also recognize the importance of flexibility and trust our employees to manage their schedules responsibly. This may include occasional remote work, starting the day with morning meetings from home before heading to the office, or leaving earlier when needed to accommodate family commitments.
Responsibilities
Concept Development
Collaborate with the engineering team to define system architecture and requirements, and assess feasibility
Develop concept designs and conduct trade studies for opto-mechanical systems and sub-assemblies
Detailed Design & Analysis
Own the top-level opto-mechanical layout, CAD assembly and BOM, maintaining them as the authoritative source of record for the product
Design, specify and integrate custom + off-the-shelf components – optical mounts (static, kinematic – manual & actuated), linear stages, Pockels cell assemblies, active alignment systems, motion controllers, PCBs, wiring, cooling systems and sealed/unsealed enclosures
Design assemblies for thermal stability and vibration/shock isolation to ensure robust performance in real-world operating environments – using STOP (Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance), FEA (Modal, Stress, etc) analyses for rapid design iterations
Translate optical error budgets into mechanical tolerances and stack-ups; run DFM/DFA reviews and material and adhesive selection to optimize for performance, manufacturability, and long-term reliability
Prototyping, Testing & Manufacturing
Drive quick-turn machining and prototype builds to validate designs early and iterate quickly
Design and build test stations, and execute engineering-level tests to characterize and verify hardware
Develop fixtures, jigs, tooling, and work instructions to support repeatable production builds
Execution & Delivery
Interface with component vendors and contract manufacturers; lead DFM discussions to ensure manufacturability and cost targets are met
Lead design reviews; produce drawings, BOMs, test plans, and cost models
Support field failure analysis as needed
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications
M.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field (or a B.S. with additional experience), plus 5+ years of opto-mechanical design experience through the complete product lifecycle; a Ph.D. may count toward the experience
High proficiency in CAD (Onshape, SolidWorks, Catia, or equivalent), BOM management and GD&T
Proficiency in FEA tools (ANSYS or equivalent) for structural and thermal analysis
Strong understanding of tolerance stack‑up analysis, kinematics, and material selection
Strong written and verbal communication skills – ability to present at design reviews and interface across engineering disciplines
Preferred qualifications
Optical design literacy sufficient to collaborate effectively with optical engineers
Experience with precision alignment of opto-mechanical assemblies
Knowledge of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, MIM, and casting
Familiarity with quality control methods including statistical process control (SPC)
Experience with mechatronic or actuated alignment systems
Familiarity with quantum or photonic systems
Comfortable or excited to work in a startup or fast-paced environment
We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the qualifications stated above. We’re looking for the right candidate with the aptitude and drive to learn and grow with us. That may just be you!
What We Offer
Compensation: $130k - $170k
Equity: 0.3% - 0.6%
Health Insurance:
Medical – 100% covered for Employee, 80% covered for dependents
Dental, Vision and Life – 100% covered for Employee and dependents
Benefits/perks
Flexible time-off
401(k) in the near future
Parental leave:
6 weeks of paid Parental Bonding Leave for mothers and fathers of new children welcomed into their family (birthed or adopted).
For birthing mothers, an additional 6 weeks of paid Medical Recovery Leave to build back your health and strength before returning to solving the problems of storing photons.
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Worksite address
lemont, IL, 60439, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.