Quantum Systems Validation Engineer

PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the world’s first fault tolerant quantum computer capable of tackling today’s most intractable computational challenges to deliver transformative results.    We know that means it will need roughly 1 million qubits and will be building scale in size. 

Quantum computing is expected to deliver breakthroughs for today’s still impossible computational tasks. By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over even the most powerful of today’s conventional supercomputers offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of applications including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more. 

PsiQuantum is uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing. Our architecture is based on photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components using high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that have been applied in telecommunications and data center applications for decades.  Since photons don’t feel heat, we can take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems, the kind that have been operating at facilities like Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC) since 2018.  And because photons are basically light, they can move between subsystems using standard fiber connectivity, without the need for transduction in and out. 

Our team is working across the full stack of quantum computing, from quantum architecture to photonic chip manufacturing, advanced opto-electronic packaging, hardware systems design, quantum algorithms and software tools, and cryogenic cooling.   We’re a highly motivated and collaborative group focused on a singular goal - building the world’s first Fault Tolerant Quantum Computer on the fastest path possible. 

There’s more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey! 

Job Summary:

The world-leading photonic technology being developed at PsiQuantum is breaking new ground and opening new possibilities in quantum optics that have never been explored before. It will require new ideas to understand the performance of these complex quantum optical systems and guide us on the path to fault-tolerant quantum computation. We are looking for an energetic, motivated research engineer/physicist who will be responsible for the design and execution of experiments on complex quantum systems. The candidate will collaborate across quantum information, optics, electronics, cryogenics, and software disciplines to develop and validate quantum systems. The successful candidate will interface broadly with PsiQuantum’s engineering teams to ensure integrated system tests are executed economically, by driving test requirements and objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Development of tests and execution of tests to deliver nonclassical optical data and validate optical quantum computer systems performance.
• Work with the system design and PIC teams to develop, define, and document validation objectives and ensure that the system design supports validation requirements.
• Develop clear and quantitative metrics for quantum performance.
• Develop and verify methods for calibration, self-test, and control of novel quantum photonic systems. Develop requirements for the software and electronics teams to implement procedures and manage data.
• Analyze, reduce, and deliver experimental data. Work with other engineering teams to ensure that the data informs engineering models for system performance.
• Debug complex systems and work with other engineering teams to conduct failure analysis and resolve design or manufacturing issues as appropriate.
• Communicate validation outcomes broadly to internal stakeholders and help guide corrective actions.

Experience/Qualifications:

• M.S. level (Ph. D. preferred) or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, experimental Physics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experiments or engineering tests in a cross-functional environment.
• Broad technical knowledge with ability to dive deep into required technical areas of our systems including hardware, software, controls, precision measurement, and photonics.
• Software development for instrumentation, controls, and test equipment (python preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with some, or all, of the following preferred:
  • Quantum optics, optics, integrated optics, silicon photonics
  • Quantum state tomography
  • Quantum information theory
  • Cryogenic systems
  • Mixed-signal, analog, RF electronics design and test
  • Electro-optical device design and test
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, time zones.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction and own responsibility for delivering validation objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences including senior leadership and technical experts.
• Demonstrated interest in PsiQuantum’s mission and vision for quantum computing, with an ability to contribute within a fast-paced start-up environment consistent with PsiQuantum’s values of communication, collaboration, respect, results, and challenge.

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.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.