Staff Engineer - Mechanical

About Vector Atomic

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills.

If you’re excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you.

About IonQ:
IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world’s most complex problems. IonQ’s newest generation quantum computers, IonQ Tempo and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners such as Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA achieve 20x performance results. The company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance in 2025.

The company is accelerating its technology roadmap and intends to deliver the world’s most powerful quantum computers with 2 million qubits by 2030 to accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. IonQ’s advancements in quantum networking position the company as a leader in building the quantum internet.

The Role:

As a Staff Mechanical Engineer at Vector Atomic, you will be instrumental in advancing the next generation of quantum technologies. This hands-on role involves designing opto-mechanical and vacuum systems that are crucial for quantum sensors, with a strong focus on personal responsibility and teamwork.

Responsibilities:

• Spearhead the mechanical architecture of quantum systems by bridging the gap between theoretical physics requirements and manufacturable engineering solutions, ensuring design scalability across the product roadmap.
• Drive the development of next-generation quantum hardware by establishing rigorous design standards and utilizing advanced simulation (FEA/CFD) to mitigate risks in novel component performance.
• Lead the systems-level integration of high-precision optomechanical and electromechanical assemblies, defining the tolerance budgets and alignment strategies necessary for enterprise-grade quantum reliability.
• Govern UHV assembly and testing workflows by implementing standardized ultra-high vacuum protocols and designing modular testbeds that accelerate the validation cycle for the entire engineering team.
• Optimize the engineering ecosystem by overseeing the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) strategy and cultivating strategic vendor partnerships to de-risk the supply chain for specialized materials.
• Champion technical excellence by auditing build documentation and testing results, mentoring junior engineers on best practices, and ensuring all custom hardware meets stringent qualification benchmarks.

Requirements:

• 8+ years of professional experience in Aerospace & Defense R&D or similar field.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

• To comply with the US export control laws, Vector Atomic employees must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e. green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.

• Comfortable working in a lab environment.
• Effective communication skills for collaboration and documentation.
• Keen attention to detail in all engineering tasks.

• Experience transitioning prototypes to small-batch production.
• 5+ years in CAD design proficiency, particularly in Solid Works.
• Knowledge of design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
• Familiarity with material science relative to thermal and mechanical properties.
• Understanding of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Proficient in creating mechanical drawings in line with ANSI Y14.5 standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline

• Experience with Solid Works PDM.
• Knowledge of FEA with a focus on thermal…