Senior Optical Packaging Process Engineer

black.ai; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum is seeking an experienced Optical Packaging Engineer to develop and optimize high‑precision optical packaging processes for photonic modules. The ideal candidate has a Master's degree and over 10 years of experience in semiconductor packaging design, with specific expertise in optical fibers and process optimization. This role offers a competitive salary range of $160,000 - $180,000 depending on location and qualifications, along with equity and benefits.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience in semiconductor company or supplier.
• Experience with optical fibers and optical measurements.
• Proficient in yield and quality management metrics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize active alignment processes.
• Lead process development and qualification for optical modules.
• Design experiments to optimize optical coupling and performance.

Skills

Optical packaging

Process optimization

Active alignment

Optical measurements

Failure analysis techniques

Education

Master’s Degree or above in Engineering, Physics or Material Science

Tools

Optical data analysis

Fiber attach tooling

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.

Job Summary

This role will focus on developing and optimizing high‑precision optical packaging processes for photonic modules, with a strong emphasis on active alignment, process development, and NPI (New Product Introduction). The ideal candidate will bring hands‑on experience and technical knowledge of optical packaging or process optimization, and product reliability.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize active alignment processes for high‑precision optical components (fiber arrays, etc.).
• Lead process development and qualification for optical module packaging.
• Support NPI efforts, including DFM (Design for Manufacturability), DFR (Design for Reliability), and transition to production.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize and optimize optical coupling efficiency, mechanical tolerances, and thermal performance.
• Drive root cause analysis of yield/reliability issues and implement robust corrective actions.
• Develop process documentation (PFMEAs, control plans, work instructions) and train technicians.
• Collaborate with external vendors and internal stakeholders to select materials, tools, and automation solutions.
• Participate in equipment selection, installation, and qualification for process scaling.

Experience / Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or above in Engineering, Physics or Material Science.
• 10+ years of experience with/at semiconductor company or supplier working on PIC packaging design, qualification & multi‑chip assemblies.
• 5+ years of experience working with optical fibers, optical measurements.
• 5+ years of work experience with advanced semiconductor packaging OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly & Test) and/or EOL vendors.
• 5+ years of experience with semiconductor company or supplier working on FAU / optical connector to chip attachment.
• Experience with fiber attach tooling & process/flow development and optical data analysis.
• Experience with FA and 8D failure resolution techniques.
• Experience with developing metrics for yield and quality management, including reliability and yield based on optical and mechanical performance.

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). 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: $160,000 – $180,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range: $183,000 – $200,000 USD