Senior R&D Engineer

PSI Quantum; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum seeks a senior researcher to lead large-scale SNSPD data analysis and guide device optimization for photonic quantum computers. You will work across material science, fabrication, testing, and layout teams, applying microscopic and phenomenological superconductivity models to drive scalable SNSPD performance.

A PhD in a technical discipline is preferred but not required; candidates with strong relevant experience are encouraged.

Qualifications

• >5 years experience in the design and development of SNSPDs or related superconductivity fields.
• Strong background in microscopic theories of superconductivity and phenomenological models.

Responsibilities

• Perform large-scale analysis of SNSPD data to inform material and device design.
• Collaborate with material science, fabrication, testing and layout teams to deploy SNSPDs at scale.

Skills

SNSPD data analysis

Superconductivity theory

Device design concepts

Education

PhD in Physics/Engineering

PhD preferred

Job description

PsiQuantum'smission 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 approachisbased on silicon photonics. Byleveragingthe 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: photonsdon'tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

In 2024,PsiQuantumannounced 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.

PsiQuantumalso 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. Itrepresentsa fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot besolvedany other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clearpathto make it real.

Job Summary

Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPD) are a key technology that are mandatory for the development of photonic quantum computers. The job will involve large-scale analysis of SNSPD data and film metrology and design of experiments informed by microscopic superconductivity theory to make improvements to SNSPD devices and materials. The job would involve close interaction with multiple teams spanning material science, fabrication ,testing and layout to deploy SNSPD's at scale for the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers.

Responsibilities

The role will require large-scale analysis of SNSPD data based on a deep understanding of SNSPD physics, spanning microscopic theories of superconductivity as well as phenomenological models suitable for devices. The analyzed data will be used to deploy future material design and device design tape-outs for scalable, high performance and high temperature operation.

Experience/Qualifications

>5 years experience in the design and development of SNSPDs , or in adjacent areas involving microscopic theory of superconductivity or condensed matter physics or superconducting device design. A PhD in a technical discipline is preferred but not necessary.

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.

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