Senior Active Photonics 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 a Sr. Active Photonics R&D Engineer to help develop active components and circuits for the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer.

The candidate will independently own the design, modeling, testing, and data analysis of active photonic devices and circuits . The Photonics Engineer will collaborate closely with teams across PsiQuantum—including electronics, manufacturing, test, packaging, and system validation—to achieve these goals. A successful candidate is expected to have hands-on experience and knowledge in active photonic technologies such as electro-optic phase shifters, switches, modulators, and related components.

Responsibilities:

• Design, simulate, and optimize novel integrated photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits for quantum computing.
• Take a leading role in photonic tapeouts, including hands-on layout, DOE and circuit design, planning, and interfacing with stakeholders (e.g., packaging teams or electronic driver designers).
• Collaborate with our dedicated test team to
  • Plan and execute automated high-volume tests
  • Develop new test methods when needed
• Work with assembly test engineers to help plan and execute assembly-level characterization.
• Analyze measurement data and interpret analysis results to understand and improve components and circuits.
• Develop and implement new analysis methods as necessary.
• Collaborate with 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.
• Minimum 3 years of industrial experience in integrated photonics technologies, including
  • Deep expertise in integrated photonic devices—including both passive and active components—with a strong focus on electro-optic phase shifters and modulators (e.g., in thin-film lithium niobate, BTO, doped silicon, or III-V materials such as InP, GaAs, AlGaAs, InGaAsP); experience with high-speed operation (10 GHz bandwidth and beyond) is a strong plus
  • Experience in the design and modeling of photonic and electro-optic components using industry-standard tools such as  Ansys Lumerical, Tidy3D, COMSOL Multiphysics, Meep, etc.
  • Knowledge in modeling of photonic circuits (e.g using Lumerical Interconnect or SAX) is a plus.
  • Knowledge RF concepts, signal integrity and experience with simulation tools such as HFSS and ADS is a plus.
  • Experience with photonic tapeouts and understanding of the foundry process.
  • Photonic layout experience (using e.g. IPKISS, GDSFactory, etc.)
  • Understanding or hands on experience with photonic packaging is a plus.
  • Understanding of photonic-electronic interfaces (drivers, TIAs, etc.) is a plus.
  • This role does not involve hands-on experimental work, but it does require deep expertise in the characterization of integrated passive and active photonic components. Familiarity with high-speed characterization techniques—such as S-parameter measurements and large-signal time-domain analysis of active photonic devices—is a strong plus.Proficient in programming language such as Python and Matlab.
• Strong data analysis skills, including visualization and making data-driven design decisions.
• Collaborative in a multi-disciplinary startup environment.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction.
• Experience in project planning and management.
• 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 critical thinking, creative, innovative, analytical, and detail oriented problem-solving skills.

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 swooped.co .

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

$150,000—$185,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range

$170,000—$202,000 USD