Senior Integrated Photonics Engineer - Active Devices and Circuits

PsiQuantum; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum is seeking an Integrated Photonics Engineer in Palo Alto to develop components for a quantum computer. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and 3+ years of industry experience in integrated photonics technologies, particularly with electro-optic devices.

This role involves designing, simulating, and optimizing photonic devices. Strong programming skills and data analysis abilities are essential, along with collaboration in a multidisciplinary environment. Competitive salary ranges are available based on experience.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, optical engineering, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of industry experience in integrated photonics technologies preferred.
• Experience with high-speed characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize novel integrated photonic devices.
• Take a leading role in photonic tapeouts, including hands-on layout.
• Analyze measurement data and interpret results to improve components.

Skills

Integrated photonic devices

Electro-optic phase shifters

High-speed operation

Design and modeling using industry-standard tools

Data analysis skills

Programming in Python

Project planning and management

Education

MS or PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, or related discipline

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

COMSOL Multi-physics

Python

Matlab

Job description

Position Summary

PsiQuantum is seeking an Integrated Photonics Engineer – Active Devices and Circuits to help develop active components and circuits for the world’s first fault- tolerant quantum computer. The hiring level and scope for this role will be calibrated to the selected candidate’s experience and strengths. Candidates with relevant PhD/postdoctoral exposure, as well as those with additional industry experience, are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and optimize novel integrated photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits for quantum computing
• Take a leading role in photonic tapeouts, including hands-on layout, DOE and circuit design, planning, and interfacing with stakeholders such as packaging teams and electronic driver designers
• Collaborate with dedicated test and lab teams to
• Plan and execute automated high-volume tests
• Develop new test methods when needed
• Develop and implement new analysis methods as necessary
• Analyze measurement data and interpret analysis results to understand and improve components and circuits
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams to build, test, and characterize high-performance photonic chips and assemblies, including assembly-level characterization of builds that integrate photonic circuits, PCBs, drivers, and related hardware.
• Mentor junior staff members

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, optical engineering, or related discipline
• PhD with relevant exposure to integrated photonics and electro-optic devices required; 3+ years of industry experience in integrated photonics technologies is strongly preferred, experience includes:
• Deep expertise in integrated photonic devices—including both passive and active components—with a strong focus on electro-optic phase shifters and modulators (e.g., in thin-film lithium niobate, BTO, doped silicon, or III-V materials such as InP, GaAs, AlGaAs, InGaAsP); experience with high-speed operation (10 GHz bandwidth and beyond) and experimental characterization is a strong plus.
• Experience in the design and modeling of photonic and electro-optic components using industry-standard tools such as Ansys Lumerical, Tidy3D, COMSOL Multi-physics, Meep, etc.
• Knowledge in modeling of photonic circuits (e.g using Lumerical Interconnect or SAX) is a plus.
• Knowledge RF concepts, signal integrity and experience with simulation tools such as HFSS and ADS is a plus.
• Experience with photonic tapeouts and understanding of the foundry process.
• Photonic layout experience (using e.g. IPKISS, GDSFactory, etc.)
• Understanding or hands on experience with photonic packaging is a plus.
• Understanding of photonic-electronic interfaces (drivers, TIAs, etc.) is a plus.
• Deep expertise in the characterization of integrated passive and active photonic components; hands-on experience with high-speed characterization techniques—such as S-parameter measurements, large-signal time-domain analysis of active photonic devices, and assembly-level characterization—is strongly preferred. Familiarity with lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, VNAs, high-speed probes, and related RF/photonic test setups is a strong plus.
• Proficient in programming languages such as Python and Matlab.
• Strong data analysis skills, including visualization and making data-driven design decisions
• Collaborative in a multi-disciplinary startup environment.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction.
• Experience in project planning and management.
• Proven team player with an ability to work with local and remote team members
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to various audiences.
• Strong critical thinking, creative, innovative, analytical, and detail oriented problem-solving skills.

[We are open to adjusting the compensation to experience level]

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

$150,000—$185,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range

$170,000—$202,000 USD