Staff Mechanical Engineer - Quantum for Aerospace

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.

Location

Infleqtion has 6 office locations, operating out of Boulder/Louisville, CO; Madison, WI; Chicago, IL; Oxford, UK; and Melbourne, AU. This position is a full-time, hybrid position which will be located in our Louisville, CO office.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our Emerging Technology team. This individual will be a key contributor in the mechanical design, integration, test, and qualification of opto-mechanical systems for operation in a high-vibration, thermally dynamic, and radiation-rich spaceflight environments (e.g. Low Earth Orbit). This position will, at least initially, be in support of a technology demonstration mission in collaboration with NASA JPL/Goddard that will demonstrate a first-of-its-kind quantum gravity gradient (QGG) sensor on a dedicated satellite.

The ideal candidate has experience delivering flight-qualified hardware to NASA, JPL, or similar agencies, and has a deep understanding of structural and thermal optimization, optical system packaging, and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) design in extreme environments. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of physicists, optical and electrical engineers, systems engineers, and manufacturing technicians to bring a novel quantum gravity sensor to life.

About the Team

You'll join a passionate and experienced team developing one of the world's first space-deployable quantum gravity sensors. This effort is foundational to future navigation, earth science, and resource exploration missions.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

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

Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers. Able to sit, stand, bend, lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance. 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). Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of spaceflight hardware for a complex UHV-compatible opto-mechanical system used to trap, manipulate, and image atoms in microgravity.
• Design for and analyze mechanical systems subject to launch loads, thermal cycling, and space radiation.
• Develop mechanical assemblies to interface with optical subsystems, magnetic shielding, and atom source hardware inside a physics package requiring micron-level stability and alignment.
• Interface with JPL/NASA or other aerospace stakeholders on mechanical design compliance, documentation, and qualification plans.
• Identify structural and thermal risks, run FEA and thermal simulations, and guide design iteration toward flight qualification for relevant environments.
• Apply best practices in design for manufacturability (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), and thermal design.
• Lead mechanical integration efforts, including flight build and test procedure development.
• Generate and maintain detailed mechanical drawings and documentation packages for internal and external use.
• Support mechanical subsystem environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, EMI/EMC).
• Coordinate across multi-disciplinary teams (physics, optical, thermal, systems, and integration/test).
• Mentor junior engineers and guide mechanical development through design reviews and team feedback.