Senior Systems Engineer, Electro-Optic Design

Quantum computing holds the promise of humanity’s mastery over the natural world, but only if we can build a real quantum computer. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the first real, useful quantum computers, capable of delivering the world-changing applications that the technology has long promised.  We know that means we will need to build a system with roughly 1 million qubits that supports fault tolerant error correction within a scalable architecture, and a data center footprint.

By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today’s most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more.

PsiQuantum has determined the fastest path to delivering a useful quantum computer, years earlier than the rest of the industry. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components at Tier-1 semiconductor fabs such as GlobalFoundries where we leverage high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are already producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. We also benefit from the quantum mechanics reality that photons don’t feel heat or electromagnetic interference, allowing us to take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems and industry standard fiber connectivity.

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced two government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first Quantum Data Centers and utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia and Chicago, Illinois. Both projects are backed by nations that understand quantum computing’s potential impact and the need to scale this technology to unlock that potential. And we won’t just be building the hardware, but also the fault tolerant quantum applications that will provide industry-transforming results.

Quantum computing is not just an evolution of the decades-old advancement in compute power. It provides the key to mastering our future, not merely discovering it. The potential is enormous, and we have the plan to make it real. Come join us.

There’s much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey!

Job Summary:

The Senior Systems Engineer is a hands-on role which drives and supports design and execution of fiber optic systems. This role is responsible for developing, validating and supporting electro-optical system designs for the purpose of putting complete working systems together.

Responsibilities:

• Sub-system design including integration of fiber optics, electronics, firmware, software and thermal design.
• Define design requirements, develop and document requirements for system level behaviors.
• Adapt to new challenges and develop new skills to suit the task at hand.
• Build and test prototypes, maintain a BOM.
• Work with cross-functional teams to execute designs, debug tests for software and hardware control systems.
• Define and execute validation tests, work closely with the System Build team.
• Work with vendors to procure and evaluate advanced fiber optic components, and qualify such components for use in quantum computing applications.
• Python scripting, calling Controls SW APIs / drivers to control lab equipment and proprietary systems.
• Write and maintain documentation of system performance.
• Work with architecture, design and experimental teams to clearly outline requirements for next generation systems.  Lead the design, development, and qualification of systems to meet these requirements.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Experience/Qualifications:

• M.S. or PhD in Physics, Optical or Electrical Engineering with 2+ years industry experience.
• 4+ years experience designing, validating and testing optical systems.
• Expertise in cross-functional product development.
• Systems experience working with complex products.
• Experience designing fiber optic systems, working with photonic integrated circuits (PICs), fiber networking.
• Experience working with optical test equipment including power meters, optical backscatter reflectometers (OBR), optical spectrum analyzer (OSA).
• Experience working with instrumentation used in the photonics and/or the electronics industry.
• Experience with software controls in Python.
• Experience developing test methods and optimization, tuning algorithms.
• Experience in product lifecycles, transitioning from R&D to product development.
• Strong organizational skills, exc