Photonics Engineer

PsiQuantum'smission is to build the first useful quantum computers-machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems.

Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.

Our architecture and approachisbased on silicon photonics. Byleveragingthe advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photonsdon'tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

In 2024,PsiQuantumannounced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining-and that now is the time to scale.

PsiQuantumalso develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies-including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical-to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.

Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. Itrepresentsa fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot besolvedany other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clearpathto make it real.

Come join us.

Job Summary:

We're seeking an optical design expert who excels at translating complex device physics into clear, actionable technical reports and cross-team collaboration. This role is part of PsiQuantum's photonic circuits team, where you'll work on the photonic ICs that serve as the physical heart of our quantum computing systems. You'll take ownership of analyzing test data from thermal phase shifters across multiple silicon processes, generating comprehensive technical documentation, and serving as a key technical communicator between our design team and broader organization. This role is designed as hybrid, with regular in-person collaboration at one of our offices in Palo Alto, CA, Milpitas, CA, or Arlington, VA, plus the flexibility to work from home 2-3 days per week.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex thermo-optical device behavior into actionable insights for product development and design optimization decisions.
• Support design iteration and improvement by identifying performance trends, failure modes, and optimization opportunities from device characterization data.
• Analyze test data from thermo-optical devices and generate comprehensive technical reports summarizing device performance, behavior, and key figures of merit.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for thermo-optical devices, ensuring clear communication across diverse technical audiences.
• Participate in technical discussions with layout engineers, foundry teams, and systems integration groups to ensure seamless handoff of design requirements and performance specifications.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field with 1-4 years of industry experience.
• Strong expertise in thermo-optical design principles, thermal phase shifters, and integrated photonic circuits.
• Demonstrated experience with data analysis and technical reporting, preferably using Python programming and Git/GitLab for version control.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills, with ability to explain complex device physics concepts to diverse technical audiences.
• Experience working with silicon photonics processes and understanding device physics from design files and process documentation.
• Basic understanding of electrical design principles, particularly Joule heating mechanisms in resistive elements.
• Preferred: Awareness of mechanical design considerations, stress/strain analysis, or experience with suspended micro-scale structures.
• Thrives in fast-paced startup environments and enjoys cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.