QuEra Computing Inc. · 1 day ago
Principal Systems Engineer – Quantum Computing Systems
Boston, MA USA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
10+ years expQuEra Computing Inc. is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to align engineering execution with scientific progress in the development of large-scale quantum computers. This role focuses on bridging the gap between engineering tasks and quantum machine milestones while fostering collaboration between scientists and engineers.
ComputerConsumer ResearchQuantum Computing
Responsibilities
Work closely and continuously with quantum scientists to understand how the machine is actually operated, tuned, and debugged in practice
Spend significant time in the lab, observing experiments and participating in scientific discussions to absorb tacit system knowledge
Treat scientists as primary system knowledge holders, approaching requirement gathering as a learning and synthesis exercise
Build trust by accurately reflecting scientific intent and constraints in system models, requirements, and architectural decisions
Facilitate the co-evolution of system requirements as the machine progresses:
Start with lightweight, provisional requirements
Explicitly document uncertainty, assumptions, and open questions
Refine requirements as experimental results and understanding improve
Translate scientific goals (e.g., performance, stability, operability) into actionable engineering requirements while preserving necessary flexibility
Establish traceability between:
Machine-level goals
Subsystem requirements
Engineering deliverables (e.g., JIRA epics)
Ensure engineers understand the intent behind requirements, not just the wording
Develop and maintain a living system architecture covering:
Quantum hardware
Control electronics and firmware
Control software and orchestration layers
Produce clear, accessible architecture diagrams that reflect reality and evolve with the system
Identify missing architectural elements, poorly defined interfaces, and integration risks early
Lead system-level trade studies and technical decision-making in partnership with engineering and scientific leaders
Ensure architecture reflects machine milestones and not just organizational boundaries
Define and drive a system integration and test strategy appropriate for an evolving R&D machine
Help ensure engineering testbeds match machine configurations as closely as possible
Push integration testing upstream so that machines are not used as primary test platforms
Partner with engineering teams to define validation criteria tied to real machine behavior
Reduce burden on lab teams by improving pre-deployment testing and integration readiness
Deliver small, tangible improvements early that directly reduce friction for scientists and engineers, such as:
Clarifying a recurring interface problem
Creating a simple integration checklist
Documenting a failure mode that saves days of debugging
Use these wins to establish credibility and reinforce the value of systems engineering
Continuously gather feedback on what is helping vs. slowing teams down, and adapt approach accordingly
Actively identify where traditional systems engineering assumptions do not apply to quantum computing
Unlearn rigid models around fixed requirements, early design freezes, and linear development
Introduce process and structure incrementally, calibrated to system maturity
Champion systems thinking without dogma — prioritizing outcomes over formality
Serve as a technical leader and mentor for engineers and emerging systems thinkers
Help scale system knowledge through documentation, diagrams, and internal education
Contribute to leadership discussions on technical strategy, integration risk, and execution pacing
Qualification
Required
10+ years of experience in systems engineering or system architecture for complex hardware–software systems
Proven experience integrating multidisciplinary systems (hardware, software, controls)
Strong background in requirements definition, interface management, and system integration
Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-evolving R&D environments
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills
Preferred
Experience in aerospace, automotive, robotics, advanced instrumentation, or similar domains
Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) concepts or tools
Experience working closely with research or experimental teams
Exposure to quantum technologies is a plus, but not required
Company
QuEra Computing Inc.
Located in Boston, QuEra Computing is a maker of advanced neutral-atoms based quantum computers, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industry.
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
QuEra Computing Inc. has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (13)
2022 (1)
2020 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$247MKey Investors
Google Quantum AIRakuten
2025-02-11Series B· $230M
2024-10-15Corporate Round
2021-11-17Series Unknown· $17M
Leadership Team
Andy Ory
Acting CEO
Nathan Gemelke
Chief Technology Strategist
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