Opportunities in Boston, Japan

Position overview QuEra Computing Japan is advancing the development of neutral-atom quantum computing systems in collaboration with global engineering teams. We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our growing Japan team. 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. 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. Key responsibilities Mechanical design and documentation Create 3D CAD models and 2D drawings using Autodesk Inventor, managed in Autodesk Vault. Design parts, brackets, enclosures, and assemblies with forethought toward manufacturing and assembly (DfM/DfA), applying GD&T appropriately. Specify, procure, and prepare prototypes; assist with testing and validation. Produce and maintain technical documentation — design requirements and specifications, drawings, assembly instructions, and test reports. Work with cross-functional and interdisciplinary teams to ensure designs meet performance and manufacturability requirements. Machine support and site reliability Keep deployed systems running: inspection, assembly, installation, and preventive maintenance of quantum computer modules. Identify performance issues, determine root cause, propose correction options with tradeoffs, and implement the fix. During testing, development, and deployment phases, surface issues early and review problems and proposed solutions with the US team. 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. Improve serviceability and reliability of the systems over time, feeding lessons learned back into design. Supplier and contract manufacturer interface Act as the local technical interface between QuEra engineering and Japanese suppliers and contract manufacturers — alignment on specifications, manufacturability, and timelines. Support the identification, qualification, and onboarding of Japanese suppliers, in partnership with the US Supply Base Engineering and Supply Chain teams. Ensure supplier documentation packages are complete and current: 3D models, drawings, assembly procedures, test procedures, test reports. Support design, procurement, and assembly of parts and enclosures by third-party vendors. Perform incoming part acceptance inspection and drive resolution when parts don't conform. Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective action for supplier-related quality issues. Help identify high-risk items and acceptable alternate components; support the US team's risk mitigation planning. Support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and supplier transitions with minimal disruption to builds. Support supplier readiness during new product introduction (NPI). Ways of working Contribute to a culture of engineering best practices — documentation, configuration control, and disciplined change management. Communicate clearly across a distributed, cross-timezone team. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Approximately 5 years of professional experience in mechanical design, with meaningful hands-on build, installation, or field-service exposure. Proficiency in 3D CAD (Autodesk Inventor preferred) and experience with PDM software (Autodesk Vault preferred). Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes — machining, sheet metal, and mechanical assembly. Demonstrated experience working with machine shops and contract manufacturers. Practical electrical skills: soldering, wiring, and basic troubleshooting with a multimeter. Working knowledge of GD&T and DfM/DfA. Familiarity with product lifecycle management and configuration management processes. Business-level Japanese and English. Japanese is required for supplier and contract-manufacturer work; English is required for daily collaboration with the US engineering team. Willingness to travel domestically to supplier and customer sites, and internationally to the US as needed. Self-motivated, strong problem-solving skills, and a genuine team player. Preferred Experience with supplier quality tools and methods (FMEA, 8D, CAPA, PPAP, SPC) — familiarity is valued; certification is not expected. Experience in thermal management and liquid cooling design. Experience with opto-mechanical system design, optics, or lasers. Experience with power electronics systems and infrastructure. Experience with prototype fabrication and testing. Experience with precision metrology or high-performance test equipment. Working knowledge of PLM/ERP/MRP systems. Exposure to lean manufacturing principles. Familiarity with MBSE concepts.