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:
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of automation solutions across our precision systems. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in enabling automated control of high-precision optical alignment systems, including those using nano-positioners to accelerate R&D, manufacturing, and testing processes.
This is a key technical position within a multidisciplinary team that bridges software engineering, optics, hardware, and robotics.
Responsibilities:
- Architect and implement automation software for real-time control of precision hardware, including optomechanical alignment systems and nano-positioning stages.
- Develop algorithms and motion sequences for sub-micron optical alignment, calibration, and measurement routines.
- Integrate motion control systems (e.g., piezoelectric nano-positioners) with cameras, sensors, and software platforms to automate complex alignment workflows.
- Design and maintain scalable automation frameworks for functional testing, system validation, and performance monitoring.
- Collaborate with mechanical, optical, and systems engineers to define software interfaces for precision hardware.
- Guide junior team members and lead code reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making.
- Ensure high standards of software quality, reliability, and repeatability in both lab and production environments.
Experience/Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in automation software engineering with a focus on motion control or hardware integration.
- Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or C#, with a focus on real-time systems or hardware interfacing.
- Hands-on experience working with nano-positioning systems (e.g., PI, Aerotech, Newport), motion controllers, or precision actuators.
- Deep understanding of control systems, sensor integration, and closed-loop feedback.
- Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, optics, and high-precision metrology.
- Experience developing and integrating with software tools for data acquisition, automation (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom platforms), and visualization.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with optical alignment techniques (active/passive), beam steering, or interferometry.
- Familiarity with image processing libraries (e.g., OpenCV) for vision-guided alignment.
- Knowledge of automation frameworks for system-level testing and validation.
- Prior work with high-vacuum or cleanroom-compatible automation systems.
- Strong debugging, documentation, and cross-disciplinary communication skills.
- Experience with Jira for project and task tracking.
- Experience with Arena PLM
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.
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.
Top Skills
What We Do
Quantum computing will be a world-changing technology with the potential to unlock powerful advances in medicine, energy, finance and beyond. At PsiQuantum, we’re focused on building the world’s first useful quantum computer.
A useful quantum computer requires at least 1,000,000 qubits and error correction. We believe photonics is the only path to building a useful quantum computer.
Our team at PsiQuantum is a mix of quantum physicists, semiconductor, systems, and software engineers, system architects and more. Error correction is at the centre of everything we do; and we focus on solving real-world problems.
If you’re interested in joining our team, we are always open to hearing from exceptional people interested in working on one of the defining technologies of our lifetime.
