Senior System Design Engineer

PsiQuantum; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum is seeking a Senior Systems Design Engineer in Milpitas, California, to drive and support the design and execution of electro-optic systems. The role involves defining design requirements, leading cross-functional collaborations, and utilizing Python scripting for lab operations. Candidates should hold an M.S. or PhD in a relevant engineering field with at least 5 years of experience in the electro-optic industry. Competitive salary offered with the Bay Area range being $183,000—$200,000 USD.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in designing, validating, and testing electro-optic systems.
• Expertise in cross-functional product development needed.
• Experience with optical test equipment required.

Responsibilities

• Define design requirements to meet system specifications.
• Lead design and development of electro-optic systems.
• Work with cross-functional teams to execute designs.

Skills

Electro-optic systems design

Cross-functional product development

Fiber optic systems

Optical test equipment

Python scripting

Education

M.S. or PhD in Physics, Optical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Optical spectrum analyzer (OSA)

Optical backscatter reflectometers (OBR)

Power meters

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

The Senior Systems Design Engineer is a hands‑on role which drives and supports design and execution of electro‑optic systems. This engineer will work in the System Design team and collaborate cross‑functionally to design and deliver working boxes.

Responsibilities

• Define design requirements for boxes to meet System Architecture system specifications.
• Lead the design, development, and qualification of boxes to meet these requirements. Work with cross‑functional teams to execute designs.
• Work as both the box design lead and TPM to deliver working box designs - requires excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Develop a deep understanding of system functionality, PIC and EIC functionality, thermal requirements, fiber network requirements in current and future systems.
• Define test specifications and work closely with Build Process and Validation teams.
• Python scripting, calling Controls SW APIs / drivers to control lab equipment and proprietary systems.
• Adapt to new challenges and develop new skills to suit the task at hand.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Experience/Qualifications

Required:

• M.S. or PhD in Physics, Optical or Electrical Engineering with 5+ years industry experience.
• 5+ years industry experience designing, validating and testing electro‑optic systems.
• Expertise in cross‑functional product development.
• Experience designing fiber optic systems, working with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and fiber networking.
• Successful delivery of electro‑optic products to production.
• Successful integration of products into complex systems.
• Experience working with optical test equipment including power meters, optical backscatter reflectometers (OBR), optical spectrum analyzer (OSA).
• Strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Strong critical thinking, creative, innovative, analytical, and detail oriented problem‑solving skill.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with vacuum systems.
• Optical simulations.

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). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located. 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