Manager, Optical Process Engineering

PsiQuantum; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum, located in Milpitas, California, seeks an Optical Process Engineering Manager to lead and optimize manufacturing processes for optical components. This position combines technical expertise with leadership to guarantee high-quality production of optical products.

The ideal candidate will oversee engineering projects and ensure compliance with quality standards while managing a team of engineers. A strong background in optical manufacturing, process engineering, and leadership is required. The role entails collaboration with cross-functional teams and involves critical project management responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years of experience in optical manufacturing or process engineering.
• 2–5+ years of leadership or people management experience.
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing and process scale-up.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of optical manufacturing processes.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage engineering projects, budgets, schedules, and resource allocation.

Skills

Optical Manufacturing

Process Engineering

Leadership

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science

Tools

MATLAB

Python

CAD software

Job description

PsiQuantum’s mission is to build the first useful quantum computers—machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million‑qubit, fault‑tolerant quantum systems.

Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.

Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry—including partners like GlobalFoundries—we use the same high‑volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don’t feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber‑optic infrastructure.

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government‑funded projects to support the build‑out of our first utility‑scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining—and that now is the time to scale.

PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies—Lockheed Martin, Mercedes‑Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical—to prepare quantum solutions for real‑world impact.

Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift—and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real.

Come join us.

Job Summary

An Optical Process Engineering Manager leads the development, optimization, and scale‑up of manufacturing processes for optical components and systems. This role combines technical expertise in optics, materials, and manufacturing with leadership responsibilities to ensure the high‑quality, cost‑effective production of optical products, including lasers, photonic devices, fiber optics, and sensors.

Process Development & Optimization

• Design, develop, and improve optical manufacturing processes.
• Optimize yield, throughput, cycle time, and product quality.
• Support process transfer from R&D to production.
• Develop process control methodologies and statistical monitoring systems.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues related to optics, fiber optics alignment, and length matching, or photonics assembly.

Engineering Leadership

• Lead and mentor a team of process, manufacturing, and optical engineers.
• Assign project priorities and monitor execution timelines.
• Foster continuous improvement and technical innovation.
• Coordinate cross‑functional collaboration between R&D, quality, supply chain, and operations teams.

Manufacturing & Quality

• Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Oversee equipment qualification, validation, and maintenance strategies.

Project Management

• Manage engineering projects, budgets, schedules, and resource allocation.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities.
• Work with vendors and suppliers on process capability and equipment integration.
• Present technical updates and manufacturing metrics to senior leadership.

Technical Responsibilities

• Develop optical fabrication processes such as:
  • Optical alignment and fiber optic education.

Experience & Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in:

• Optical Engineering
• Physics
• Photonics
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Related engineering discipline

Experience

• 7–12+ years of experience in optical manufacturing or process engineering.
• 2–5+ years of leadership or people management experience.
• Experience with high‑volume manufacturing and process scale‑up.
• SPC (Statistical Process Control).
• DOE (Design of Experiments).
• FMEA.
• Lean/Six Sigma.
• Process validation.
• Experience with metrology and characterization tools.
• Proficiency in engineering software and data analysis tools.

Preferred Skills

• Semiconductor or photonics industry experience.
• Automation and robotics integration knowledge.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Typical tools & technologies.
• Optical metrology systems.
• Laser alignment equipment.
• CAD software.
• MATLAB / Python / JMP / Minitab.
• MES system.
• Cleanroom equipment.

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.

U.S. Base Pay Range

$160,000—$185,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range

$200,000—$225,000 USD