Mechanical Engineer
QuEra Computing
Role
About this opportunity
<h1>Position overview</h1> <p>QuEra Computing Japan is advancing the development of neutral-atom quantum computing systems in collaboration with global engineering teams. We are seeking a <strong>Mechanical Engineer</strong> to join our growing Japan team.</p> <p>This is a deliberately broad, hands-on role for someone who likes being close to the hardware. You will do mechanical design as well as hands-on work on the quantum computer — inspecting, assembling, installing, troubleshooting, and fixing — and the local technical point of contact for the Japanese suppliers and contract manufacturers who build our parts.</p> <p>We are looking for a practical generalist rather than a specialist: comfortable in CAD in the morning, on a machine with a multimeter in the afternoon, and on a call with a supplier about a drawing tolerance the next day. If you want narrow, deep design work, this is not that role. If you want to own the physical reality of a quantum computer on the ground in Japan, it is.</p> <h1>Key responsibilities</h1> <h2>Mechanical design and documentation</h2> <ul> <li>Create 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using Autodesk Inventor, managed in Autodesk Vault.</li> <li>Design parts, brackets, enclosures, and assemblies with forethought toward manufacturing and assembly (DfM/DfA), applying GD&T appropriately.</li> <li>Specify, procure, and prepare prototypes; assist with testing and validation.</li> <li>Produce and maintain technical documentation — design requirements and specifications, drawings, assembly instructions, and test reports.</li> <li>Work with cross-functional and interdisciplinary teams to ensure designs meet performance and manufacturability requirements.</li> </ul> <h2>Machine support and site reliability</h2> <ul> <li>Keep deployed systems running: inspection, assembly, installation, and preventive maintenance of quantum computer modules.</li> <li>Identify performance issues, determine root cause, propose correction options with tradeoffs, and implement the fix.</li> <li>During testing, development, and deployment phases, surface issues early and review problems and proposed solutions with the US team.</li> <li>Perform hands-on technical work as needed — wiring, soldering, basic electrical measurement and troubleshooting with a multimeter, assembly, cleaning, and general lab support. We are a startup and everyone touches hardware.</li> <li>Improve serviceability and reliability of the systems over time, feeding lessons learned back into design.</li> </ul> <h2>Supplier and contract manufacturer interface</h2> <ul> <li>Act as the local technical interface between QuEra engineering and Japanese suppliers and contract manufacturers — alignment on specifications, manufacturability, and timelines.</li> <li>Support the identification, qualification, and onboarding of Japanese suppliers, in partnership with the US Supply Base Engineering and Supply Chain teams.</li> <li>Ensure supplier documentation packages are complete and current: 3D models, drawings, assembly procedures, test procedures, test reports.</li> <li>Support design, procurement, and assembly of parts and enclosures by third-party vendors.</li> <li>Perform incoming part acceptance inspection and drive resolution when parts don't conform.</li> <li>Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective action for supplier-related quality issues.</li> <li>Help identify high-risk items and acceptable alternate components; support the US team's risk mitigation planning.</li> <li>Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and supplier transitions with minimal disruption to builds.</li> <li>Support supplier readiness during new product introduction (NPI).</li> </ul> <h2>Ways of working</h2> <ul> <li>Contribute to a culture of engineering best practices — documentation, configuration control, and disciplined change management.</li> <li>Communicate clearly across a distributed, cross-timezone team.</li> </ul> <h1>Qualifications</h1> <h2>Required</h2> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.</li> <li>Approximately 5 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with meaningful hands-on build, installation, or field-service exposure.</li> <li>Proficiency in 3D CAD (Autodesk Inventor preferred) and experience with PDM software (Autodesk Vault preferred).</li> <li>Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes — machining, sheet metal, and mechanical assembly.</li> <li>Demonstrated experience working with machine shops and contract manufacturers.</li> <li>Practical electrical skills: soldering, wiring, and basic troubleshooting with a multimeter.</li> <li>Working knowledge of GD&T and DfM/DfA.</li> <li>Familiarity with product lifecycle management and configuration management processes.</li> <li><strong>Business-level Japanese and English.</strong> Japanese is required for supplier and contract-manufacturer work; English is required for daily collaboration w