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:

The role is to make experimental progress towards a photon pair source by: 

• Designing nonlinear optical and single photon tests needed to characterize the photon pair generation platform. 
• Building test stations and developing the corresponding routines and control software.
• Performing measurements and analysis.

The employee will be responsible for selecting the equipment for specialized tests and coordinating the use of existing equipment.  

The employee will formulate meaningful reports. This can include some simulation work. 

The employee is expected to help others in the company in developing experimental work with a single photon component. The employee is expected to prioritize the work according to the team vision and to contribute to the development of the team roadmap.  

Responsibilities:

• Technical individual contribution
  • Design experimental stations.
  • Build experimental stations.
  • Participate in the definition of the best, clearest quantum/nonlinear optics experiments to support photon source learnings.
  • Run experiments.
  • Analyze data.
  • Generate reports.
  • Participate in the simulation and design of photon sources.
  • Participate in the generation of technical reports.
• Technical leadership
  • Anticipate testing needs for photon source technical learnings
  • Clarify priorities
  • Facilitate IP protection
• Team / Staff management
  • Identify missing skills
  • Participate in hiring to fill in open positions within the team
• Project leadership
  • Formulate plan and estimate budget for experimental builds.
  • Track progress of experimental projects.
• Cross-team interaction
  • Keep a strong communication with the test and system teams.
  • Help develop the code base for data acquisition, analysis, and visualization.
  • Help other teams develop tests with a single photon component.

Experience/Qualifications:

• 2+ years of relevant experimental work in quantum optics and nonlinear optics. 
  • Proven skill in designing and managing nonlinear optics and/or photonics experiments. 
  • Proven skill writing control software ideally in Python.
  • Proven skill modeling and analyzing experiments ideally in Python/Mathematica.
  • Experience leading technical projects.
• Proven skill in Applied Physics.
• Proven experience in computational thinking.
• Experience working with leading edge technologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Subject Matter Expertise
  • Linear optics, imaging, microscopy, fiber optics.
  • Laser optics (physics, operation, and safety), work with pulsed lasers, broadband spectrometry.
  • Single photon measurements, coincidences, statistics, single photon spectroscopy.
  • Experimental physics, design of control systems.
  • Photonics testing, coupling to integrated circuits, automation.
  • Operation of cryogenic equipment.
  • Quantum optics theory.
  • Nonlinear optics theory.
  • Quantum information theory.
• Core skills:
  • Prioritization
  • Deduction
  • Attention to detail
  • Hands-on
  • Thinking outside the box
  • Open to change
  • Commitment to only deliver high quality work
• Performance in team environment:
  • Open listening
  • Curiosity
  • Openness to share and ask for advice
  • Learning while collaborating
  • Fast learning
• Leadership:
  • Drive to engage others
  • Delegation
• Planning and Organization:
  • High level picture
  • Focus on getting things closed
• People Management:
  • Empathy
  • Ability to ask useful questions
• Interpersonal Skills / Communications
  • Ability to explain clearly
  • Ability to engage an audience
• Project management
  • Commitment to deliver on time

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.