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. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field. 

• 8+ years experience in mechanical engineering for spaceflight systems, e.g. NASA Class D or Class C flight programs. 

• Strong experience in designing precision opto-mechanical assemblies for dynamic environments 

• Experience in thermal, structural, and radiation mitigation design for space. 

• Fluency in SolidWorks and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, or equivalent). 

• Excellent technical communication, organizational, and documentation skills. 

• Ability to lead complex projects and work independently while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with quantum systems or atom interferometry platforms. 

• Familiarity with materials selection for outgassing, radiation shielding, and thermal isolation in space. 

• Experience with UHV or cryogenic systems 

• Experience with alignment and bonding strategies for optical assemblies under launch and thermal loads. 

• Hands-on experience with UHV chamber design and testing. 

• Familiarity with aerospace standards (NASA GEVS, ECSS, MIL-STD-1540, etc.). 

The targeted salary range for this role is $150,000 to $185,000 on an annualized basis plus eligibility to participate in our annual incentive plan.

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

• 100% company paid Employee coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short/Long Term Disability insurance programs
• Employer funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Matching Programs
• Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Healthcare Savings Account
• Paid FMLA Leave
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employer Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment

Equal Opportunity

Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin color, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued, welcomed, and appreciated here. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.