Senior Materials Characterization R&D Engineer

PSI Quantum; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Senior Materials Characterization R&D Engineer to pioneer metrology capabilities for the first fault-tolerant quantum computer. This role involves hands-on development and characterization of materials critical to quantum technology, requiring expertise in electro-optic materials and metrology techniques. Join a team that is reshaping the future of computing through groundbreaking advancements in quantum technology. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, this position offers the chance to work on projects that will have a lasting impact across various industries, from healthcare to finance. If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of science and technology, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with metrology techniques for electro-optic materials.
• Strong programming skills in Python for automation.

Responsibilities

• Drive development of piezo force microscopy for materials characterization.
• Collaborate with teams for materials advancement and feedback.

Skills

Python Programming

Metrology Techniques

Data Analysis

Electro-optic Materials Knowledge

Education

MS or PhD in Material Science

Electrical Engineering

Physics

Tools

Spectroscopic Ellipsometry

Piezo Force Microscopy

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

Raman Spectroscopy

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:

Psi Quantum is seeking a Senior Materials Characterization R&D Engineer to develop metrology capabilities for materials that are critical for the world's first fault-tolerant quantum computer.

The candidate will own development, test, and implementation of optical and electro-optical characterization of crystalline thin film materials. The role requires performing data analysis and providing feedback to material growth and fabrication teams for material improvement as well as establishing correlation to device performance to drive material quality improvement. This position will work closely with processing and device engineers. A successful candidate is expected to have hands-on experience with metrology techniques and domain knowledge of perovskites and electro-optics materials.

Responsibilities:

• Drive development and implementation of piezo force microscopy for EO materials characterization.


• Develop and own non-destructive optical based techniques for electro-optic materials.


• Implement real-time data analysis feedback for materials fabrication and growth development.


• Correlate materials properties of epitaxial electro-optics films to device performance.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for materials advancement.


• Work with external equipment vendors/suppliers.

Experience/Qualifications:

• MS or PhD degree in material science, electrical engineering, physics, or related disciplines.


• 2+ years of hands-on experience using spectroscopic ellipsometry, piezo force microscopy.


• 1+ year experience in AFM, SE, Raman.


• Proficient in programming with Python and automation.


• Domain knowledge in electro-optic materials is highly desired.


• In-depth and hands-on experience of metrology techniques for characterization of electro-optic materials.


• Ability to work onsite and in a fast-paced start-up environment.

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 [e-mail].

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

$150,000—$200,000 USD