Photonic Designer

PsiQuantum

Palo Alto (CA)

On-site

USD 125,000 - 145,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A pioneering quantum computing firm in Palo Alto is seeking a Photonic Designer to lead the design and validation of innovative photonic structures for a silicon photonic quantum computer. Ideal candidates should have a PhD and at least 3 years of experience in integrated photonics, along with strong skills in Python programming and electro-magnetic simulation. Competitive compensation and equity options are included.

Qualifications

3 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics.
Strong fundamentals in the design and characterization of photonic devices and circuits.
Proven experience executing cross-department complex projects.

Responsibilities

Interacts with device, hardware, and software design teams.
Supports foundry tape outs with photonic device design.
Develops simulation automation techniques and infrastructure.

Skills

Python programming

Design of photonic devices

Electro-magnetic simulation

Data analysis

Education

PhD or equivalent in Electrical, Computer Engineering, Material Science, Physics

Tools

Lumerical

Job description

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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

Quantum computing promises to solve many important problems that could never be solved on any conventional computer. At PsiQuantum, we’re building a general-purpose silicon photonic quantum computer to tackle these very problems.

We are looking for an energetic, highly motivated Photonic Designer who will be responsible for the design, optimization, integration, and validation of novel photonic structures, devices, and subsystems for a linear optic quantum computer (LOQC).

We’re looking for a creative and innovative individual with strong fundamentals in the design, optimization, layout, and fabrication of integrated optical devices. This role is focused on pushing the boundaries of high-performance integrated photonic components and circuits. The role requires excellent python skills, experience with commercial electro-magnetic simulation packages, and experience with python-based layout tools and foundry tape outs.

Responsibilities

Interacts with device, hardware, and software design teams to assist in overall development of Photonics and Quantum Optics photonic systems and devices.
Supports foundry tape outs with photonic device design, design of experiments, layout, device validation, data analysis, failure mode analysis, and troubleshooting.
Develops simulation automation techniques and infrastructure to support photonic device design, model development, and performance validation.
Provides multi-disciplinary support to component and systems teams by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products, or systems.
Applies quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and proposes, develops, and implements solutions for corrective action.

Experience/Qualifications

Education

PhD or equivalent in Electrical, Computer Engineering, Material Science, Physics.

Experience

3 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Strong fundamentals of the design and characterization of photonic devices and circuits.
Proven proficiency in Python programming for numerical analysis, data manipulation, automation and photonic circuit layout.
Experience with silicon photonic manufacturing processes and foundry tapeouts.
Strong fundamentals in electro-magnetic theory, statistical analysis, and quantum mechanics.
Extensive experience with simulation platforms, particularly Lumerical, for designing and simulating photonic devices and circuits.
Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, time zones.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and detail oriented problem-solving skills.
Proven experience executing cross-department complex projects.
Ability to work independently with limited direction.

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 recruiting@psiquantum.com.

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.

U.S. Base Pay Range

$125,000—$150,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range

$145,000—$170,000 USD

Seniority level