Expert Mechanical Engineer H/F

Alice & Bob is developing the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer to solve the world’s hardest problems. The quantum computer we envision building is based on a new kind of superconducting qubit: the Schrödinger cat qubit 🐈‍⬛. In comparison to other superconducting platforms, cat qubits have the astonishing ability to implement quantum error correction autonomously! We're a diverse team of 250+ brilliant minds from over 35 countries united by a single goal: to revolutionise computing with a practical fault-tolerant quantum machine. Are you ready to take on unprecedented challenges and contribute to revolutionising technology? Join us, and let's shape the future of quantum computing together!

The role

In a context where mechanical parts and integration hardware face increasingly demanding requirements in precision, scalability and robustness, particularly under the cryogenic and thermal constraints specific to our platform, the Staff Precision Mechanical Engineer brings dedicated precision-mechanics expertise to the Cryo Hardware Development team and raises its engineering standards in formalization, qualification and validation. Reporting to the Cryo Hardware Development Manager, they will work closely with RF engineers, physicists, and the assembly and procurement teams to design, develop and oversee the full range of mechanical parts and integration hardware, with particular attention to chip-level components (e.g. sample holders and packaging).

Responsabilities

1. Design and develop precision mechanical parts and integration hardware
2. Design and develop mechanical parts and integration hardware hands-on, and oversee their development when carried out by external partners, with particular attention to chip-level components
3. Produce manufacturing drawings with appropriate tolerancing and follow parts through fabrication with suppliers and machining workshops
4. Ensure precision, manufacturability and repeatability across iterations
5. Ensure scalability and robustness under cryogenic and thermal constraints
6. Anticipate and address mechanical failure modes linked to cryogenic and thermal cycling
7. Drive design choices that support scaling from prototype to series production
8. Build the validation and qualification methodology
9. Set up and formalize validation methods for mechanical parts and integration components
10. Define qualification criteria and testing protocols in collaboration with the team
11. Raise the team's engineering standards
12. Share rigorous engineering practices (formalization, development, qualification, validation) with the rest of the Cryo Hardware Development team
13. Act as a technical reference on precision mechanics for the team

Interactions

Internal: Cryo Hardware Development team, RF engineers, physicists, chip design and nanofabrication teams (for chip-level components), assembly team (Technical Operations), procurement team, project managers

External: Part suppliers and machining workshops

Requirements

A precision-mechanics specialist with a proven track record of solving demanding integration and reliability challenges under tight physical constraints.

Comfortable splitting their time between hands-on development and methodology work, they bring structure and rigor to the team while staying pragmatic and collaborative.

Education: Master's-level engineering degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Mechanics, or a related field 

Languages: Proficient in English; French is a plus

Experience: Minimum 7 years in mechanical design and integration, ideally in a high-constraint environment (aerospace, satellite, semiconductor, quantum, or scientific instrumentation)

Skillset

Strong hands-on expertise in precision mechanics (design, machining, assembly, tight tolerances)

Proficiency in SolidWorks for mechanical design

Proficiency in technical drawings and geometric tolerancing (GD&T / ISO GPS)

Knowledge of cryogenic and thermal constraints on mechanical parts (materials behavior, thermal cycling, thermalization)

Knowledge of materials suited to cryogenic and low-magnetic environments, and of vacuum compatibility requirements

Experience defining and formalizing validation and qualification methodologies

Ability to translate complex mechanical requirements into robust, scalable designs

Strong documentation and technical communication skills

Mentoring mindset and ability to share know-how within a team

Benefits: - Our success is your success: own it with our BSPCE plan - Direct IP Compensation: Earn substantial bonuses for driving the core patents that define our quantum architecture. - Flexible remote policy, up to 40 % a month - A Parental plan including additional benefits such as crèche support or additional days-off to take care of under 12 years old children - Subsidized membership with Urban Sports Club - Mental health support with moka.care - 25-day vacation policy (as per French law) + RTT - Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law), or yearly allowance for the die-hard bicycle users - Competitive health coverage, with Alan. - Meal vouchers with Swile, as well as access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen - French language courses covered by the company for those interested Research shows that women might feel hesitant to apply for this job if they don't match 100% of the job requirements listed. This list is a guide, and we'd love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match. We are looking to build teams that innovate, not just tick boxes on a job spec. You will join of one of the most innovative startups in France at an early stage, to be part of a passionate and friendly team on its mission to build the first universal quantum computer! We love to share and learn from one another, so you will be certain to innovate, develop new ideas, and have the space to grow.