R&D Engineer - Integrated Photonics

PsiQuantum; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 88,600 - 133,800; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum is seeking an Integrated Photonics Engineer to support the characterization and validation of advanced photonic circuits underpinning our quantum computing platform. You will design and execute experiments to test complex optical circuits, working closely with circuit designers and system engineers.

You will play a key role in developing automated experimental workflows and advancing our understanding of integrated photonic devices.

Qualifications

• PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong experimental background in integrated optics and photonic circuit characterization.
• Hands-on experience with components such as directional couplers, interferometers (MZI/AMZI), and phase shifters.
• Proficiency in Python for experiment automation and data analysis.
• Experience with complex optical measurement setups.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to characterize integrated photonic circuits across multiple optical wavelengths.
• Test and analyze devices incorporating components such as directional couplers, interferometers and EO modulators.
• Develop automated experimental control and data acquisition systems (Python preferred).
• Characterize complex integrated optics-based circuits and interpret experimental results.
• Collaborate with design teams to troubleshoot device performance and improve future iterations.
• Generate detailed reports and documentation for experimental procedures and results.
• Contribute to the development of scalable testing methodologies for large-scale photonic systems.

Skills

Python for automation

Integrated photonics

Experimental physics

Education

PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering

Tools

Optical measurement equipment

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—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. 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:

PsiQuantum is seeking an Integrated Photonics Engineer to support the characterization and validation of advanced photonic circuits underpinning our quantum computing platform. In this role, you will design and execute experiments to test complex optical circuits, working closely with circuit designers and system engineers. You will play a key role in developing automated experimental workflows and advancing our understanding of integrated photonic devices.

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute experiments to characterize integrated photonic circuits across multiple optical wavelengths.
• Test and analyze devices incorporating components such as directional couplers, interferometers and EO modulators.
• Develop automated experimental control and data acquisition systems (Python preferred).
• Characterize complex integrated optics-based circuits and interpret experimental results.
• Collaborate with design teams to troubleshoot device performance and improve future iterations.
• Generate detailed reports and documentation for experimental procedures and results.
• Contribute to the development of scalable testing methodologies for large-scale photonic systems.

Experience / Qualifications:

• PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong experimental background in integrated optics and photonic circuit characterization.
• Hands-on experience with key components such as directional couplers, interferometers (MZI/AMZI), and phase shifters.
• Proficiency in Python for experiment automation and data analysis.
• Experience working with complex optical measurement setups.

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.

U.S. Base Pay Range $126,600 — $148,700 USD Bay Area Pay Range $88,600 — $133,800 USD