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National Lab Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

S. preferred). * 5-8 years work experience designing optical and opto-mechanical systems in a non-academic (industry, national lab, FFRDC or similar) environment with enterprise engineering practices.

Lital Davidi, the Davidi Lab at Northeastern University is part of the Departments of Biology and ... color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other ...

Lab Services, Glassware, Pharmaceuticals experience preferred. * Pay Range : $20.00 per hour to $22 ... race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity ...

Lab Services, Glassware, Pharmaceuticals experience preferred. * Pay Range : $20.00 per hour to $22 ... race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity ...

Lab Computing Technician

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Zifo is looking for a Lab support technician to join our Lab Computing team. This position will ... We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual ...

Lab Computing Technician

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Zifo is looking for a Lab support technician to join our Lab Computing team. This position will ... We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual ...

Showing results 21-40

National Lab information

See Boston, MA salary details

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$37

How much do national lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for national lab in Boston, MA is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a national lab?

National Labs are government-funded research institutions in the United States that focus on scientific research and technological development in various fields, such as energy, physics, biology, and national security. Managed by the Department of Energy and other federal agencies, these labs employ thousands of scientists and engineers to work on projects that advance knowledge and innovation. National Labs play a key role in addressing national challenges, supporting industry, and training future scientific talent.

What are some common collaboration opportunities available for professionals working at a national laboratory?

Professionals at national laboratories frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, engineers, and external partners from academia, industry, and government agencies. These collaborations often involve joint research projects, grant proposals, and knowledge sharing that can lead to innovative solutions for complex problems. Working in this environment provides valuable networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge technology, making it ideal for professionals who enjoy teamwork and continuous learning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a national laboratory researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a National Laboratory Researcher, you need a strong background in your scientific discipline, advanced degrees (often a Ph.D.), and experience in experimental or theoretical research. Familiarity with cutting-edge lab equipment, data analysis software, and compliance with safety protocols is typically required. Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills help researchers work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and convey results. These competencies are crucial for advancing scientific discovery, maintaining rigorous standards, and supporting the laboratory's mission.

What is the difference between National Lab vs Research Scientist?

AspectNational LabResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (Master's or PhD)Usually requires a PhD or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentGovernment-funded labs, collaborative research settingsUniversities, research institutions, or industry labs
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Energy, national research facilitiesUniversities, private companies, government agencies
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for research roles in government labsRelated to scientific research careers in various sectors

National Labs and Research Scientists both focus on scientific research, often requiring advanced degrees. National Labs are government-funded facilities emphasizing large-scale, collaborative projects, while Research Scientists work across academia and industry, often in university or private sector settings. Both roles involve conducting experiments, publishing findings, and advancing knowledge in their fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to National Lab jobs in Boston, MA?

For National Lab jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching National Lab jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for National Lab jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for National Lab jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most National Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various National Lab job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,051 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Senior Optical Engineer

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Senior Optical Engineer

The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company's mission of building state-of-the-art, manufacturable, and deployable neutral atom quantum computers. The Hardware Engineering Group plays a crucial role in accelerating the company's technology leadership and translating the company's scientific breakthroughs into products delivered to customers. To accomplish this mission, we are looking to hire a candidate with graduate-level education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics with industry experience in an enterprise engineering environment. The ideal candidate will combine a deep, fundamental understanding of several areas of optics, design, and engineering. Although candidates with a Ph.D. in physics may be considered, applicants should ensure they have sufficient professional experience beyond academia in an enterprise engineering environment to establish themselves independently as a senior-level engineer.

Key Job Responsibilities
  • Work with physicists to understand requirements and architect optical systems, sub-systems, modules, and components to support QuEra's neutral atom computers through the full development lifecycle (R&D, productization, maintenance, and beyond).
  • Advance state-of-the-art engineering practices at QuEra through independent research, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Coordinate closely with the R&D/science team to enable cutting-edge R&D and translate scientific advances into the next generation of products.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues at company headquarters and off-site installations at customer locations (in coordination with local support team).
Qualifications
  • B.S. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field (Ph.D. or M.S. preferred).
  • 5-8 years work experience designing optical and opto-mechanical systems in a non-academic (industry, national lab, FFRDC or similar) environment with enterprise engineering practices.
  • Excellent system-level design skills including Zemax simulation skills, COMSOL simulation skills, and CAD design skills, etc.
  • Deep domain expertise in the areas of
    • Free-space optics (free-space and fiber)
    • Modulators
    • Electronics
    • Lasers
    • Optical system characterization and testing
    • Ultra-high vacuum
  • Strong hands-on laboratory skills (e.g. assembly, alignment, cleaning, testing)
  • Experience leading the design of scientific instruments and apparatuses and bringing complex optical systems from concept to production.

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly.ย  We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience.ย  In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.