Photonics Failure Analysis 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 seeks to hire an in-person Photonics Failure Analysis Engineer to join our team. The Photonics Failure Analysis Engineer will work on failure analysis characterization, data collection, root cause analysis and result documentation.

Key Responsibilities

1. R&D Failure Analysis & Root Cause Investigation

• Conduct failure analysis on active integrated photonic components and circuits.
• Perform microscopic, electrical, and optical analysis and identify failure modes.
• Develop characterization methods for Root Cause Investigation.
• Document failure mechanisms and suggest corrective actions.

1. Data Collection & Analysis

• Gather and analyze process history, electrical test data, and optical performance metrics.
• Collaborate with photonic and process engineers, and materials scientists to correlate FA findings with material properties, fabrication process, and operating conditions.

1. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain detailed FA reports, summarizing findings, analysis methods, and recommendations.
• Present FA results to engineering teams and management.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and best practices within the FA team.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Master’s or PhD degree in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of recent experience with hands-on experiments on integrated photonic devices or related work.
• Knowledge of optical and photonic components and electro-optic test equipment (including VNA, polarization synthesizer, fast photodiodes).
• Familiarity with electrical characterization techniques (including I-V and C-V).

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and presentations.
• Team-oriented mindset with a proactive approach to learning.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice-to-Have)

• Prior failure analysis experience with photonic and electronic components
• Familiarity with statistical analysis for defect tracking.
• Basic understanding of semiconductor fabrication and packaging processes.
• Experience with cross-section analysis (FIB, TEM) or material characterization (EDX, XPS, etc.) to analyze defects.

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 [email protected].

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.