Thin-Film Materials R&D Engineer for Quantum Detectors

PsiQuantum; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; Full time

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

Join our Superconducting Devices Group, where we design, fabricate, and test advanced components that are integrated into complete systems. We are looking for an R&D Engineer with a strong background in thin film materials to support the development of high‑performance superconducting nanowire single‑photon detectors (SNSPDs). In this role, you will work at the intersection of materials science and device engineering, developing thin films and identifying key material properties that drive device performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize superconducting thin films using deposition tools (internal and external facilities).
• Perform material characterization using techniques such as XRD, AFM, SEM, TEM, SIMS, and STEM/EELS.
• Conduct electrical measurements at room temperature and cryogenic conditions.
• Analyze relationships between material properties and device performance.
• Identify reliable material indicators that predict SNSPD behavior.
• Document experimental processes, results, and conclusions clearly.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to the team.
• Collaborate with external vendors and partners for deposition and testing.
• Track wafer progress and provide regular updates.

Experience / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 4+ years of direct experience in thin film growth and metrology.
• Experience with deposition techniques such as PVD, CVD, or MBE.
• Strong understanding of thin film characterization and metrology.
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Python, Excel, JMP).
• Good communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with microfabrication and cleanroom environments.
• Experience with STEM/EELS for advanced materials characterization.
• Understanding of superconducting or nanoscale device physics.
• Experience with electrical characterization at low temperatures.
• Experience developing new measurement or characterization methods.
• Experience improving test setups, automation, or data workflows.
• Experience with growth of superconducting materials (nice to have).
• Ability to connect material behavior to device performance.

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.

Compensation

U.S. Base Pay Range: $95,000—$120,000 USD
Bay Area Pay Range: $125,000—$145,000 USD