Optics R&D Technician Intern - 1019 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at Quantinuum

We are seeking an Optics R&D Technician Intern in our Albuquerque, NM, location. All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.

• Work with a team of engineers, physicists, and technicians to advance trapped-ion quantum computing technologies
• Help set up an optics and photonics lab in collaboration with other technical and R&D colleagues, including optical, mechanical, electronics, and other technical systems
• Participate in designing, building, testing and alignment of optical systems, including lasers and imaging systems
• Collaborate with colleagues to provide support on planning, development, maintenance, and management of a new lab facility
• Provide technical expertise and support to colleagues, assisting with the resolution of lab- and equipment-related issues and implementing corrective actions as necessary
• Prepare detailed engineering specifications, standard operating procedures, and other documentation required for the operation, maintenance, and repair of optical, mechanical, and electronics systems
• Support Procurement and Materials Management in acquiring and tracking technical equipment and infrastructure through phases of building, expanding, and maintaining the lab
• Partner with Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) to ensure adherence to safety protocols
• Monitor and support maintaining key metrics in the laboratory such temperature and humidity, and request help from and work with Facilities as needed
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and work in a lab environment

• Must be enrolled in a quantum technician training program prior to internship
• Graduating or completing technical training program on/after 2027
• Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person. defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
• Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

• 2+ years in an optics lab environment preferred
• 5+ years technical experience, degree-inclusive preferred
• Hands-on skills building and testing optical systems and an understanding of underlying principles of optics, such as lasers, free-space optics, fiber optics, micro-optics, imaging systems, etc.
• Experience building experimental apparatus from scratch
• Experience following work instructions, drawings, and test protocols
• Highly organized and attention to detail on both administrative and technical tasks
• Proficient in Excel, Word and Outlook
• Some experience with mechanical design/CAD systems
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Interest in getting certificates/licenses for facilities and/or safety practices such as hazardous materials, laser safety officer, safety supervisor

Compensation & Benefits:

The pay range for this role is $23 - $29 per hour. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate’s skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.

What’s in it for you?