Quantum Systems Validation Engineer

PSI Quantum; California, Palo Alto (MO, CA); On-site; USD 138,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a motivated research engineer/physicist to join its mission of building the first real quantum computers. This role involves designing and executing experiments on complex quantum systems, collaborating across various disciplines to develop and validate new technologies. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering teams to ensure integrated system tests are performed effectively. If you are passionate about quantum computing and eager to contribute to groundbreaking advancements, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• M.S. level (Ph.D. preferred) in Electrical Engineering or experimental Physics.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experiments.

Responsibilities

• Develop tests to validate optical quantum computer systems performance.
• Analyze experimental data and communicate outcomes to stakeholders.

Skills

Quantum optics

Experimental Physics

Electrical Engineering

Software development (Python)

Cryogenic systems

Analog electronics design

Quantum information theory

Integrated optics

Education

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. in Physics

Tools

Test equipment

Instrumentation

Job description

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 world-leading photonic technology being developed at PsiQuantum is breaking new ground and opening new possibilities in quantum optics that have never been explored before. It will require new ideas to understand the performance of these complex quantum optical systems and guide us on the path to fault-tolerant quantum computation. We are looking for an energetic, motivated research engineer/physicist who will be responsible for the design and execution of experiments on complex quantum systems. The candidate will collaborate across quantum information, optics, electronics, cryogenics, and software disciplines to develop and validate quantum systems. The successful candidate will interface broadly with PsiQuantum's engineering teams to ensure integrated system tests are executed economically, by driving test requirements and objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Development of tests and execution of tests to deliver nonclassical optical data and validate optical quantum computer systems performance.


• Work with the system design and PIC teams to develop, define, and document validation objectives and ensure that the system design supports validation requirements.


• Develop clear and quantitative metrics for quantum performance.


• Develop and verify methods for calibration, self-test, and control of novel quantum photonic systems. Develop requirements for the software and electronics teams to implement procedures and manage data.


• Analyze, reduce, and deliver experimental data. Work with other engineering teams to ensure that the data informs engineering models for system performance.


• Debug complex systems and work with other engineering teams to conduct failure analysis and resolve design or manufacturing issues as appropriate.


• Communicate validation outcomes broadly to internal stakeholders and help guide corrective actions.

Experience/Qualifications:

• M.S. level (Ph. D. preferred) or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, experimental Physics, or a related field.


• Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experiments or engineering tests in a cross-functional environment.


• Broad technical knowledge with ability to dive deep into required technical areas of our systems including hardware, software, controls, precision measurement, and photonics.


• Software development for instrumentation, controls, and test equipment (python preferred).


• Demonstrated experience with some, or all, of the following preferred:
  
  
  
  • Quantum optics, optics, integrated optics, silicon photonics
  
  
  • Quantum state tomography
  
  
  • Quantum information theory
  
  
  • Cryogenic systems
  
  
  • Mixed-signal, analog, RF electronics design and test
  
  
  • Electro-optical device design and test
  
  
  
  


• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, time zones.


• Ability to work independently with limited direction and own responsibility for delivering validation objectives.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences including senior leadership and technical experts.


• Demonstrated interest in PsiQuantum's mission and vision for quantum computing, with an ability to contribute within a fast-paced start-up environment consistent with PsiQuantum's values of communication, collaboration, respect, results, and challenge.

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.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

The range below reflects the minimum and maximum target range for new hire base salary across all US locations. Actual compensation may vary outside of this range 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.

For a fully qualified candidate, the expected base pay range is:

Base Pay Range

$138,000—$182,000 USD