Senior System Design Engineer
About the Role
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. Our architecture leverages silicon photonics, utilizing advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes to produce scalable, high-volume chips. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale, including immunity to heat and electromagnetic interference, and integration with existing cryogenic and fiber-optic infrastructure.
In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to build utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. We also develop algorithms and software to ensure these systems deliver commercial value, collaborating with Fortune 500 companies like Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.
Responsibilities
- Define design requirements for electro-optic systems ("boxes") to meet System Architecture specifications.
- Lead the design, development, and qualification of boxes to meet these requirements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute designs, serving as both the box design lead and Technical Program Manager (TPM).
- Develop a deep understanding of system functionality, photonic integrated circuits (PIC), electronic integrated circuits (EIC), thermal requirements, and fiber network requirements in current and future systems.
- Define test specifications and work closely with Build Process and Validation teams.
- Use Python scripting to control lab equipment and proprietary systems via Controls Software APIs/drivers.
- Adapt to new challenges and develop new skills as needed.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements
- M.S. or PhD in Physics, Optical, or Electrical Engineering with 5+ years of industry experience.
- 5+ years of 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.
- Proven track record of delivering electro-optic products to production and integrating them into complex systems.
- Experience with optical test equipment, including power meters, optical backscatter reflectometers (OBR), and optical spectrum analyzers (OSA).
- Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.
- Critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and detail-oriented problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently with limited direction.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with vacuum systems.
- Optical simulations.
Benefits
- Competitive health coverage for you and your dependents.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Equity grants.
- Access to financial wellness tools and planning resources.
- Wellness benefits and family support programs.
- Life and disability insurance.
- Paid leave programs, company-designated paid holidays, discretionary time off (DTO), and an end-of-year company shutdown.
Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company. Eligibility requirements may apply and benefits may vary based on location, role, or employment status.
Pay
The estimated annual base salary range for this role is:
- Zone 1 (Bay Area and NYC): $167,800—$197,200 USD
- Zone 2 (e.g., Los Angeles, Washington DC): $151,100—$177,500 USD
- Zone 3 (e.g., Austin, Chicago, Sacramento): $134,300—$157,800 USD
- Zone 4 (e.g., Nashville, Phoenix/Tempe, and many remote locations): $117,500—$138,000 USD
Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, experience, geographic location, business needs, and internal equity. Full-time roles are eligible for equity and benefits.