Senior Quantum Systems Engineer, The Bloch, Chicago Quantum Exchange

University of Chicago; United States; On-site; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Senior Quantum Systems Engineer for the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering's CQE Regional Innovation. You will lead software tool development for rapid design and assembly of quantum components, interfacing with design-to-manufacture workflows and coordinating with multiple specialists.

You will design a pilot production facility, incorporate testing data, and ensure software quality across collaborations with regional facilities and partners.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and deploys automation software for real-time control of precision optical systems.
• Analyzes automated and digital manufacturing capabilities to roadmap rapid manufacturing, assembly and packaging of quantum devices.
• Builds a software framework for data collection from materials, processing tools, automated assembly and testing; maps parameters and figures of merit.
• Performs rigorous testing and evaluation of software modules from collaborators and vendors.
• Leads and collaborates with optical, mechanical, electrical and systems engineers to define software interfaces and develop a software roadmap.
• Guides and collaborates with other technical engineers to provide technical expertise to Bloch partners.

Skills

Python

C++

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science / electrical engineering / physics / related field

College/university degree in related field

Job description

Department PME CQE Regional Innovation

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) is the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering, and integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. UChicago PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are enhanced through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne and Fermi National Laboratories, and the broad excellence of scholarship and education on campus. In the next phase of growth as a School, PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting‑edge facilities. PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

The Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) is an intellectual hub in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana that advances the science and engineering of quantum information, prepares the quantum workforce, and drives the quantum economy in collaboration with leading universities, national labs, and industry partners. The CQE is based at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and is anchored by the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Northwestern University, and Purdue University. The community includes more than 60 corporate, international, nonprofit, and regional partners.

Job Summary

The Senior Quantum Systems Engineer will be responsible for leading the development of software tools for rapid design and assembly of quantum components and devices, understanding the requirements of machine and robotic assembly and other advanced manufacturing methods as needed, and interfacing the software tools towards a seamless design‑to‑manufacturing transition. Responsibilities also include the design of a pilot production facility and the incorporation of testing data and procedures for closing the design loop. All activities will require interaction and coordination with multiple specialists, evaluation of software products, data management, and the creation and testing of software interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and deploys automation software for real‑time control of precision optical systems, in coordination with other engineers and specialists.
• Analyzes automated and digital manufacturing capabilities, regional and nationwide, and develops a roadmap for rapid manufacturing, assembly and packaging of selected quantum devices and components.
• Builds a software framework for collecting data from materials, processing tools, automated assembly and testing and design algorithms to map relevant parameters and figures of merit, and facilitate statistical analysis.
• Performs rigorous testing and evaluation of software modules from collaborators and vendors.
• Leads and collaborates with optical, mechanical, electrical and systems engineers to define software interfaces, evaluate gaps and capabilities, perform testing and validation, and develop a software development roadmap.
• Leads technical discussions and provides support and guidance to Bloch leadership, including reviewing technical proposals for resource usage and analysing usage data.
• Guides and collaborates with other technical engineers or consultants to provide technical expertise and advice to Bloch partners as needed.
• Partners with regional quantum facilities to coordinate and integrate access procedures for Bloch partners and collaborators.
• Provides guidance on definition and prioritisation of pilot demonstration projects and leads or helps their implementation, as needed.
• May supervise and coordinate the work of other technical engineers, including assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and technical standards.
• May provide mentorship, technical direction, and performance‑related feedback to technical engineers, supporting skill development, collaboration across disciplines, and high‑quality execution of quantum engineering activities.
• Collaborates with IT and other partners to implement and/or verify cybersecurity procedures and protection of data and software.
• Creates documentation of findings, analysis, and software guides.
• Recommends process development activities including drawing board layout, interpretation and implementation of project specifications and documentation requirements.
• Conduces engineering studies and assigns work to technical staff.
• Has considerable knowledge of the organisation, processes and customers.
• Plans own resources effectively to ensure projects are delivered on time, to standard and to budget.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications

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Preferred Qualifications

Education

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in computer science, electrical engineering, physics, or related field.

Experience

Understanding of automation software engineering, sensor integration and control systems. Familiarity or experience with systems software development and testing. Familiarity with fundamentals of optical and electrical engineering. Demonstrated experience leading or managing technical teams or projects.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

Knowledge of principles of systems engineering, metrology and control systems. Proficiency in computer languages, including Python and C++, and software tools for data analysis and modeling, such as MATLAB, LABView and similar platforms.

Preferred Competencies

Strong documentation and communication skills to organise complex information. Demonstrated ability to learn new skills and rapidly acquire new knowledge by interaction with specialists in other fields. Maintain confidentiality and operate with a framework of information security.

Working Conditions

Office environment - flexible. Occasional extended work hours and some weekend days. Local travel.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40

Drug Test Required

No Health Screen Required

No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $145,000.00 - $175,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case‑by‑case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/.