Sr. Electro-Optical Systems Validation 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 :

At PsiQuantum we are developing a datacenter-scale quantum computer which consists of millions of photonic, optical, and electronic components. In our quantum computer architecture, complex networks of high-speed electro-optical switches route optical pulses based on real-time data. These photonic components and subsystems require real-time logic, firmware, and software to coordinate and control them. The Quantum Systems Validation team is seeking an experienced senior engineer to develop and execute design validation tests of prototype electro-optical subsystems, including hardware characterization, verification of digital logic and software functionality.

Responsibilities

• Develop, document, and execute design validation plans for integrated electro-optical systems which include electro-optical switch devices, polarization controllers, optical delay lines, single-photon detectors, custom electronics, FPGAs, sensors, control loops and their associated logic, firmware, and software functions.
• Develop and maintain one or more test stations for optical, electronic, firmware, software integration testing.
• Prototype, debug, and validate calibration and self-test functions of complex electro-optical systems.
• Write design-for-test requirements for hardware, firmware, and software functions to enable system validation.
• Work with software and firmware engineers to define and implement hardware-in-the-loop regression tests.
• Collaborate with Quantum Systems Validation engineers to ensure test coverage of all hardware and software functions, and to verify correlation between system-level quantum performance and subsystem-level test outcomes.
• Write validation reports and communicate test outcomes broadly to internal stakeholders.

Experience / Qualifications

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.

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