Staff Mechanical Engineer - Quantum for Aerospace
Staff Mechanical Engineer - Quantum for Aerospace
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$ 150000 - 185000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the worlds most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers sensors and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products Infleqtion enables quantum everywhere through our ecosystem of devices and platforms.
Location
Infleqtion has 6 office locations operating out of Boulder/Louisville CO; Madison WI; Chicago IL; Oxford UK; and Melbourne AU. This position is a full-time hybrid position which will be located in our Louisville CO office.
Position Summary
We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our Emerging Technology team. This individual will be a key contributor in the mechanical design integration test and qualification of opto-mechanical systems for operation in a high-vibration thermally dynamic and radiation-rich spaceflight environments (e.g. Low Earth Orbit). This position will at least initially be in support of a technology demonstration mission in collaboration with NASA JPL/Goddard that will demonstrate a first-of-its-kind quantum gravity gradient (QGG) sensor on a dedicated satellite.
The ideal candidate has experience delivering flight-qualified hardware to NASA JPL or similar agencies and has a deep understanding of structural and thermal optimization optical system packaging and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) design in extreme environments. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of physicists optical and electrical engineers systems engineers and manufacturing technicians to bring a novel quantum gravity sensor to life.
About the Team
Youll join a passionate and experienced team developing one of the worlds first space-deployable quantum gravity sensors. This effort is foundational to future navigation earth science and resource exploration missions.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license
Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. Able to sit stand bend lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance. Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops copiers and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone computer or in-person). Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead design and analysis of spaceflight hardware for a complex UHV-compatible opto-mechanical system used to trap manipulate and image atoms in microgravity.
- Design for and analyze mechanical systems subject to launch loads thermal cycling and space radiation.
- Develop mechanical assemblies to interface with optical subsystems magnetic shielding and atom source hardware inside a physics package requiring micron-level stability and alignment.
- Interface with JPL/NASA or other aerospace stakeholders on mechanical design compliance documentation and qualification plans.
- Identify structural and thermal risks run FEA and thermal simulations and guide design iteration toward flight qualification for relevant environments.
- Apply best practices in design for manufacturability (DFM) design for assembly (DFA) and thermal design.
- Lead mechanical integration efforts including flight build and test procedure development.
- Generate and maintain detailed mechanical drawings and documentation packages for internal and external use.
- Support mechanical subsystem environmental testing (thermal vacuum vibration shock EMI/EMC).
- Coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams (physics optical thermal systems and integration/test).
- Mentor junior engineers and guide mechanical development through design reviews and team feedback.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Optical Engineering or related field.
- 8 years experience in mechanical engineering for spaceflight systems Class D or Class C flight programs.
- Strong experience in designing precision opto-mechanical assemblies for dynamic environments
- Experience in thermal structural and radiation mitigation design for space.
- Fluency in SolidWorks and FEA tools (e.g. ANSYS COMSOL or equivalent).
- Excellent technical communication organizational and documentation skills.
- Ability to lead complex projects and work independently while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with quantum systems or atom interferometry platforms.
- Familiarity with materials selection for outgassing radiation shielding and thermal isolation in space.
- Experience with UHV or cryogenic systems
- Experience with alignment and bonding strategies for optical assemblies under launch and thermal loads.
- Hands-on experience with UHV chamber design and testing.
- Familiarity with aerospace standards (NASA GEVS ECSS MIL-STD-1540 etc.).
Benefits
The targeted salary range for this role is $150000 to $185000 on an annualized basis plus eligibility to participate in our annual incentive plan.
In addition to your base compensation we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:
- 100% company paid Employee coverage for Medical Dental Vision and Short/Long Term Disability insurance programs
- Employer funded Health Savings Account
- Unlimited Paid Time Off
- 401(k) Matching Programs
- Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- Flexible Healthcare Savings Account
- Paid FMLA Leave
- Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Employer Assistance Program
- Student Loan Repayment
Equal Opportunity
Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love your gender identity and expression skin color age appearance disability neurodiversity DNA military/veteran status citizenship and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued welcomed and appreciated here. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications performance merits as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Required Experience:
Staff IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
