Senior Vacuum System 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:

The cryogenic engineering department is hiring a vacuum system engineer who will be heavily involved in the quantum computer design. This position will interact with multiple teams internally and suppliers externally.

Responsibilities 

• The Vacuum System Engineer focuses primarily on the vacuum system design to support quantum computer
• Applying knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and structural mechanics to the development of vacuum system.
• Detailed analysis, design and test of pumps, pipes, pressure control devices
• Leading engineering activities from concept development to final onsite commissioning of various vacuum equipment
• Analyzing field issues related to vacuum system design and providing solutions where required.
• Thoroughly documenting design inputs and outputs.
• General design activities such as requirements management, materials and component selection, Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and tolerance analyses.
• Assisting and/or directing vendors to develop necessary manufacture process
• Actively participating in cross functional project teams through all phases of product development to ensure successful execution of innovative and best-in-class designs.

Experience/Qualifications 

• Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Physics.
• Software tools – Mathcad, SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Workbench, Solidworks, Fluent, SpaceClaim, Matlab
• 5+ years of experience applying engineering principles to solve complex thermal/fluid problems
• Demonstrated technical knowledge and work experience in high vacuum theory, practice, and equipment, including clean room procedures and techniques, leak detectors, residual gas analyzers, vacuum pumps and vacuum gauges, vacuum modelling, and vacuum practices and procedures as applied in particle-free cryogenic environments.
• Experience specifying and operating electrical vacuum pumps and modern vacuum system
• Demonstrated use of advanced analysis tools to solve complex problems at the appropriate level of detail – Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Finite Difference, and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• Experience performing risk evaluation and process hazard analyses for vacuum systems
• Knowledge of ASME BPVC and B31.3 codes
• Ability to adapt changes and handle multiple assignments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Desired Skills/Experience:

• Experience with multiple material performance, design constraints, and manufacture constraints under cryogenics.
• Hands performances on experience with fabrication methods such as machining, welding, brazing, soldering, forming, etc.
• Experience with deep vacuum systems, including cyro pumps, ion pumps, turbomolecular pumps,
• Hands-on experience performing lab testing and data acquisition.
• Solid understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing per ASME Y14.5.

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.
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