Senior Quantum Validation Engineer, Quantum Optics

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:

At PsiQuantum we are developing and deploying exciting new technologies in the pursuit of a fault-tolerant photonic quantum computer. With new capabilities such as ultra-low loss SiN photonics, high-efficiency waveguide-integrated photon number-resolving detectors, and photonic multiplexers, we are moving into new areas of multi-photon quantum optics which have never been accessible to previous hardware. We are seeking an experienced researcher to lead the development of new methods for characterizing photonic states, identifying and diagnosing photonic qubit errors.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership in the design and execution of tests on PsiQuantum’s quantum computer prototypes to quantify optical performance and identify sources of photonic qubit state infidelity and photon loss.
• Develop and document novel statistical models for measurement outcomes in quantum photonic circuits, for both quantum and classical (i.e., coherent) input states of light.
• Develop and document novel data collection and analysis techniques to validate heralded single photon sources, multiplexed heralded single photon sources, and multi-photon entangled states.
• Define and document diagnostic photon statistics to be collected during system operations, to identify and diagnose system faults.
• Define and document requirements for data collection, analysis, and storage for the software and electronics teams to implement.
• Communicate validation requirements and quantum performance outcomes broadly to internal stakeholders.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Ph. D. or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with deep subject matter expertise in quantum optics and photon statistics. Post-doctoral experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop novel statistical analysis methods in quantum optics and to analyze multi-photon quantum states.
• Software development for data analysis and quantum modelling (python preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with some, or all, of the following preferred:
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, time zones.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction and own responsibility for delivering validation objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an abili