Active Photonics R&D Engineer

Quantum computing holds the promise of humanity's mastery over the natural world, but only if we can build a real quantum computer. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the first real, useful quantum computers, capable of delivering the world-changing applications that the technology has long promised. We know that means we will need to build a system with roughly 1 million qubits that supports fault tolerant error correction within a scalable architecture, and a data center footprint.

By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today's most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more.

PsiQuantum has determined the fastest path to delivering a useful quantum computer, years earlier than the rest of the industry. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components at Tier-1 semiconductor fabs such as GlobalFoundries where we leverage high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are already producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. We also benefit from the quantum mechanics reality that photons don't feel heat or electromagnetic interference, allowing us to take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems and industry standard fiber connectivity.

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced two government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first Quantum Data Centers and utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia and Chicago, Illinois. Both projects are backed by nations that understand quantum computing's potential impact and the need to scale this technology to unlock that potential. And we won't just be building the hardware, but also the fault tolerant quantum applications that will provide industry-transforming results.

Quantum computing is not just an evolution of the decades-old advancement in compute power. It provides the key to mastering our future, not merely discovering it. The potential is enormous, and we have the plan to make it real. Come join us.

There's much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey!

Job Summary:

PsiQuantum is seeking an Actives Photonics R&D Engineer to help develop active components and circuits for the world's first fault-tolerant quantum computer.

The candidate will own, with minimum directions,design, modeling, test and data analysis of active photonic devices and circuits. The Photonic Engineer will work closely with other teams withing PsiQuantum (electronics, manufacturing, test, packaging and system validation) to achieve these goals. A successful candidate is expected to have hands-on experience and knowledge in actives photonic technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Design and simulate novel integrated photonic devices and photonics integrated circuits for quantum computing.
• Perform experimental characterization on active integrated photonic components and circuits.
• Interface with dedicated test teams to perform automated high volume tests.
• Interface with System Validation teams to facilitate system-level demonstrations.
• Analyze measurement data and optimize photonic device and circuit performance.
• Collaborate with the photonic engineers, test engineers, materials scientists, electronic engineers, process engineers and packaging engineers to build and characterize high-performance photonic chips and assemblies.
• Mentor junior staff members.

Experience/Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, optical engineering, or related discipline.
• 1-3 years of hands-on experience in integrated photonics technologies, including
  
  
  
  • Deep knowledge and experience in actives and passives photonics device design and modeling, such as waveguides, modulators and detectors
  • Photonics and RF simulation tools such as Lumerical, HFSS, ADS, COMSOL, etc.
  • Experience in characterization of integrated photonic components, including RF characterization of active photonic components
  • Knowledge in modeling of photonic circuits, electro-optical co-simulation of active circuits is a plus
  • Experience in characterization of active photonic circuits is a plus
  • Photonic layout experience (using e.g. IPKISS, GDSFactory, etc.)
  • Photonic layout and tapeout with foundries
  
  
  
  
• Proficient in programming language such as Python and Matlab.
• Experience in programmatic (e.g. using Python) test equipment control and automation.
• Strong data analysis skills, including visualization and making data-driven design decisions.
• Solid background in semiconductor physics, electro-optical materials, or nonlinear optics is a plus.
• Experience in photonic tuning and feedback control is a plus.
• Experience in cryogenic engineering is a plus.
• Good understanding of electronic circuits for actives photonic integrated circuits such as drivers and TIAs.
• Good understanding of photonic foundry process.
• Collaborative in a multi-disciplinary startup environment.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction.
• Proven team player with an ability to work with local and remote team members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to various audiences.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong critical thinking, creative, innovative, analytical, and detail oriented problem-solving skills.
• Industry experience desired.

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.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.