Photonics Circuit Designer

JRNLClub; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum is building a silicon photonic quantum computer to tackle foundational problems beyond conventional machines. We seek a creative, highly disciplined researcher with a strong background in photonic devices and circuits to push high-performance integrated photonics forward.

The role emphasizes accurate modeling, circuit layout, and rigorous simulations using professional photonics tools, with opportunities to contribute across software, hardware, and verification teams.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Physics.
• 5 years of relevant work or academic research in integrated photonics.
• Proficiency with photonic devices and testing.
• Experience with Python for scientific computing.
• Experience with photonic circuit layout and design tools.
• Strong communication and cross-team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Model photonic devices across scales.
• Design and optimize photonic circuits.
• Simulate complex circuits including SFWM.
• Create schematic representations.
• Coordinate photonic circuits layout.
• Analyze data to evaluate performance.
• Collaborate with design and characterization teams.

Skills

Photonic devices

Python (scientific)

Data analysis

Communication

Wolfram Language

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Tools

Photonic design software

Circuit layout tools

Job description

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PsiQuantum’smission 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 approachisbased on silicon photonics. Byleveragingthe 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: photonsdon’tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

In 2024,PsiQuantumannounced 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.

PsiQuantumalso 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—including 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. Itrepresentsa fundamental shift—and a path to mastering challenges that cannot besolvedany other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clearpathto make it real.

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 problems.

We seek a creative and innovative individual with strong fundamentals in photonic devices and circuits. This role focuses on pushing the boundaries of high-performance integrated photonic circuits. The ideal candidate will be proficient in photonic device and circuit modeling and electromagnetic simulation packages, as well as the layout of photonics circuits, and have excellent software skills for simulation, circuit definition, and data analysis.

Responsibilities:

• Data-driven modeling of linear photonic devices at different scales and with diverse methods.
• Design and optimization of photonic circuits.
• Full simulation of complex photonic circuits, including modeling of photon-pair generation through spontaneous four-wave mixing.
• Schematic representation of photonic circuits.
• Coordination of photonic circuits layout.
• Data analysis to evaluate and understand the performance of photonic devices and circuits.
• Collaboration with component design and circuit characterization teams to ensure the validation of photonic circuits.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Education: PhD or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Physics.
• Experience:
  • 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • In-depth knowledge of photonic devices, including performance metrics and testing techniques.
  • Extensive experience with photonic design using commercial software platforms.
  • Experience with integrated photonic circuit layout.
  • Extensive experience with Python for scientific applications and data manipulation.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
  • Experience using the Wolfram Language is a plus.

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 [e-mail] .

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.