Senior Materials and Process Engineer

Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world’s 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.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a Senior Materials and Process Engineer to own materials and manufacturing process development for the Quantum Gravity Gradiometer (QGG) program. This hands-on role turns evolving physics-package designs into repeatable, documented builds, supporting engineering development units and the transition to flight hardware. The role combines precision assembly, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) processing, materials evaluation, inspection, and practical problem solving. You will work with physicists, design engineers, technicians, quality, suppliers, and JPL counterparts to resolve build issues and deliver clean, traceable hardware built with well-understood and repeatable processes.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary function of this role is to lead the development and maturation of fabrication and assembly processes for Infleqtion’s most challenging components, such as integrated UHV components that combine multi-disciplinary manufacturing processes. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Perform and guide precision cleanroom assembly, fine manual operations, component preparation, fixturing, and inspection.
• Develop and validate cleaning, contamination-control, handling, storage, and packaging methods for UHV and optical hardware, including removal of machining and lapping residues.
• Develop joining and finishing processes with internal specialists and suppliers, including laser spot welding, glass-to-metal welding, soldering/brazing, coatings, lapping, and polishing.
• Interpret drawings and tolerances; inspect parts and assemblies using microscopy, dimensional metrology, surface profilometry, and 3D scanning. Investigate defects and failure modes, support root cause analysis, and implement verified corrective actions.
• Plan and execute material and process trials: connect test efforts and success metrics to program objectives, work with project leadership to allocate schedule and resources, coordinate material procurement and preparation, guide test implementation, and analyze results.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, including technical drawings, mechanical assembly packages, work instructions, standard operating procedures, build travelers, inspection sheets, process parameters, and as-built records.
• Define inspection and witness points with quality and customer representatives. Incorporate lessons learned into build documentation to ensure safe and reliable execution of fabrication and assembly processes.
• Coordinate QGG daily build priorities, material readiness, and process dependencies. Work with project engineering, procurement, and suppliers to resolve shortages and outsourced-process issues.
• Engage with design, system, and test engineering functions through active engagement in formal and informal design reviews, test planning, and environmental-test investigations with process data and failure analysis.
• Train technicians and engineers to execute repeatable processes and manage the successful handoff of those processes.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science or materials engineering, engineering physics, or similar
• At least 5 years of experience in an industry or academic environment working on materials processing, product design, product development and testing
• Experienced with adhesive/epoxy selection and testing, ideally for low outgassing applications
• Experienced with some microscale and/or nanoscale processing (e.g., MEMS design and testing, wet bench etching, cleaning, and processing)
• Experienced with several materials characterization and elemental analysis techniques including high resolution microscopy, SEM, EDS, XPS, SIMS, XRD and X-ray CT scanning
• Experienced with laser systems and laser safety, and ideally optics and opto-mechanics
• Experienced with vacuum processing and UHV systems, designing and troubleshooting them (including helium leak Experienced with some microscale and/or nanoscale processing (e.g., MEMS design and testing, wet bench etching, cleaning, and processing)
• Experienced with several materials characterization and elemental analysis techniques including high resolution microscopy, SEM, EDS, XPS, SIMS, XRD and X-ray CT scanning
• Experienced with laser systems and laser safety, and related optics and opto-mechanics
• Experienced with vacuum processing and UHV systems, including cleaning, bakeout, leak testing (including helium leak checking), and material compatibility, as well as designing and troubleshooting them
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or multi-physics modeling (e.g., COMSOL)
• Proficient with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software, including drawing tolerancing (GD&T)
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with laser spot welding, ultrafast laser welding, hermetic glass-to-metal joints, vacuum-compatible soldering/brazing, or precision coatings.
• Experience with atom chips, cold-atom systems, ceramic-to-metal assemblies, optical windows, vacuum seals, getters, or alkali-metal sources.
• Experience with outgassing and residual gas analysis, microscopy and failure analysis, surface characterization, and precision lapping or polishing.
• Experience supporting NASA, JPL, or other space hardware programs, including materials/process documentation, customer inspections, and thermal-vacuum or vibration testing.
• Experience transferring development processes to technicians or suppliers and improving assembly yield, workmanship, and build time.

TRAVEL Up to 10% travel may be required. WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Work will normally be performed in an office environment. 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). Will involve sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Salary range: $130000-170000
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
• Employer-funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) match
• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Savings Account
• Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment
• Equity Program