Technical Lead, Single Photon Sources Validation

PsiQuantum; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

PsiQuantum is looking for a Technical Lead for Single Photon Source Validation to drive validation projects and characterize electro-optical assemblies. This role requires at least 12 years of industry experience, a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or Material Science, and proven leadership in complex projects. The role embraces collaboration with cross-functional teams and technical mentorship of junior engineers. Compensations range between $195,000 and $215,000 USD in the US, with higher rates in the Bay Area.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of industry experience is required.
• Proven track record on leading complex, cross-functional projects.
• Experience with single photon detectors and testing in cryogenic environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the validation planning and define figures of merit for cryogenic assemblies.
• Develop algorithms for data analysis and key performance extraction.
• Execute the validation plans including debugging of assemblies.
• Collaborate to review and provide feedback on design.

Skills

Leading complex projects

Data analysis and algorithm development

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical mentorship

Education

Bachelor's Degree or above in Engineering, Physics or Material Science

Tools

Optical power meters

Lasers

Optical spectrum analyzer (OSA)

Oscilloscopes

Function generators (AWG)

Vector network analyzer (VNA)

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 technical lead for the single photon source validation will be responsible for successfully driving validation projects including the planning, the design of experiments and characterization of electro‑optical assemblies based on single photon source generation optical circuits and superconductive single photon detectors.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the validation planning and define figures of merit and validation plans for the cryogenic electro‑optical assemblies.
• Lead the development of algorithms to perform data analysis and extract key performance parameters.
• Lead the execution of the validation plans, including debugging and characterization of the cryogenic electro‑optical assemblies.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to review and provide feedback on the electro‑optical assemblies design.
• Contribute to the bring‑up of laboratory cryogenic setups comprising light sources, detector, switches, function generators, oscilloscopes, etc. to validate design functionality of the electro‑optical assemblies in cryogenic environments.
• Contribute to the development of software scripts to automatically drive the measurement setups and feed data into a database.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or above in Engineering, Physics or Material Science, and 12+ years of industry experience.
• Proven track record on leading complex, cross‑functional projects, related to the introduction of new concepts into successful products.
• Experience with single photon detectors and testing in cryogenic environments.
• Experience with non‑linear optical photonic integrated circuits.
• Experience working with optical and electrical test equipment such as optical power meters, lasers, optical spectrum analyzer (OSA), oscilloscopes, function generators (AWG), vector network analyzer (VNA).
• Experience developing test methods and optimization, tuning/calibration algorithms.
• Experience with photonics quantum experiment is preferred.

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 .

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 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 $195,000—$215,000 USD
Bay Area Pay Range $200,000—$225,000 USD