Principal, Electro-Optics System Engineer

Principal, Electro-Optics System 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 Principal Electro-Optics Systems Engineer is a technical lead role in which he/she drives and owns design and execution of fiber optic systems. This role is responsible for leading from early development to productization of optical network and communications, including design, validation and working with vendors to deliver full optical development for large quantum systems.

Responsibilities:

• Technical lead of full optical design and distribution network for large systems & multiple systems.
• Own, define & develop design requirements and document requirements for system level behaviors.
• Work effectively with cross functional team: quantum architect, electronics, mechanical and thermal teams and assess how to negotiate for tradeoffs and meet requirements.
• Work with vendors and evaluate advanced fiber optic components, and qualify such components for use in quantum computing applications.
• Assess how to push technical boundaries to meet tight optical specs (optical loss and thermal stability).
• Lead & execute designs, development, debug for optical communication for racks.
• Lead build and test prototypes, maintain a BOM.
• Lead validation tests plans & deliver proof of concept to productization, working closely with the system build and validation team.
• Deliver electro-optical network for full quantum systems in a fast paced environment.
• Some Python scripting, calling Controls SW APIs / drivers to control lab equipment and proprietary systems.
• Write and maintain documentation of system performance.
• Clear communication and technical lead engineer teams

Experience/Qualifications:

• M.S. or PhD in Physics, Optical or Electrical Engineering with 10+ years industry experience.
• 5+ years experience designing, validating and testing fiber networks and fiber optical systems.
• Expertise in cross-functional product development.
• Systems experience working with complex products.
• Experience designing fiber optic systems, working with photonic integrated circuits (PICs), fiber networking.
• Experience working with optical test equipment including power meters, optical backscatter reflectometers (OBR), optical spectrum analyzer (OSA).
• Experience working with instrumentation used in the photonics and/or the electronics industry.
• Experience with software controls in Python.
• Experience developing test methods and optimization, tuning algorithms.
• Experience in product lifecycles, transitioning from R&D to product development.
• Strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Strong critical thinking, creative, innovative, analytical, and detail oriented problem-solving skill.
• Ability to lead and work in a fast paced environment & collaborate with cross functional team.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Industry experience with electro-optics systems.
• Industry experience with optical systems in vacuum.
• Managed and lead on how to do large optical routing and management.
• Understanding of photonics & non-linear optics, thermal stability.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located. Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

U.S. Base Pay Range

$230,000 - $260,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range

$230,000 - $260,000 USD