Senior Photonics Automation Engineer

PsiQuantum; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum in Palo Alto is seeking a Photonic test software Engineer to develop and optimize software for wafer and die level testing systems. The role requires extensive Python experience and focuses on high throughput testing for advanced photonic ICs.

The chosen candidate will define automation specifications, develop software platforms, and optimize existing tools. This is a great opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking quantum computing technology.

Qualifications

• Extensive Python testing experience.
• Experience with wafer-level testers and test automation.
• Knowledge of photonic PIC and switch testing systems.

Responsibilities

• Define automation program specifications and testing plan.
• Develop software platforms for new testing applications.
• Optimize existing testing tools.

Skills

Python

Testing frameworks

Photonic testing

Asynchronous testing

Database knowledge

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

We are looking for an energetic, highly motivated Photonic test software Engineer responsible for developing and optimizing software systems enabling our wafer and die level testing systems. This role will focus particularly on high throughput circuit and functional testing for our most advanced photonic ICs.

A successful candidate is expected to have extensive python experience, with some photonic and electronic testing background. High speed (RF, network analyzer) testing is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Define automation program specifications, testing, and development plan.
• Develop and extend software platforms in collaboration with vendors for new testing applications.
• Develop parallel/asynchronous testing infrastructure.
• Optimize existing tools.
• Work with data and other teams to deliver complete solutions.

Experience / Qualifications

• Extensive Python testing and test frameworks.
• Wafer level testers and test automation.
• Parallel and asynchronous testing.
• Photonic PIC and switch testing systems.
• Databases and data systems highly beneficial.

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.

U.S. Base Pay Range

$115,000—$150,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range

$150,000—$175,000 USD