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High-Speed Photonics Experimentalist

PsiQuantum

PsiQuantum

Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posted 6+ months ago

We believe quantum computing will change everything. It will have the power to transform the foundations of giant industries that rely on intensive computation. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the world’s first useful quantum computer, capable of delivering these transformative results. We know that means it will need 1 million qubits, error correction, 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 is uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing years earlier than our competitors. Our architecture is based on photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components using existing high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are today producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. Since photons don’t feel heat, we can take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems, the kind that have been operating at facilities like the Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC). And because photons are in fact light, they can move between subsystems at tremendous speed using standard fiber connectivity.

Our team is building a utility scale quantum computer and the software tools needed to build fault tolerant quantum applications. We’re a highly motivated and collaborative group focused on a singular goal - building the world’s first useful quantum computer on the fastest path possible.

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

Job Summary:

PsiQuantum seeks to hire a high-speed photonics experimentalist to join our photonics team. The high-speed photonics experimentalist will own, with minimum direction, design and implementation of novel experimental techniques and equipment, characterization of photonic materials, devices, and circuits, and using photonic and RF theory and simulation to discover meaningful insights into device performance and operation. The high-speed photonics experimentalist will work closely with design, manufacturing, test, electronics, and systems teams to develop and manage novel experimental techniques, drive test plans, characterize materials, devices, and circuits, and perform data analysis. A successful candidate is expected to have hands-on experience and knowledge in photonic and electronic experimental technologies.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, implement, maintain, and improve novel high-speed photonic experimental techniques and equipment.
  • Develop and qualify the automation of test setups and procedures.
  • Drive test requirements and test plans.
  • Characterize and debug photonic materials, devices and circuits, and develop measurement methodology and apparatus if needed.
  • Analyze measurement data and optimize photonic material, device, and circuit performance by theoretical studies, test data and models.
  • Collaborate with the photonic engineers, test engineers, materials scientists, electronic engineers, process engineers and packaging engineers to deliver high-performance photonic chips.
  • Mentor junior staff members.

Experience/Qualifications:

  • MS or PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, optical engineering, materials science, or related discipline.
  • Hands-on experience in waveguide-based high-speed E/O and O/E components (eg. modulators and photodetectors) and subsystems characterization (probing and packaging), debug, and data analysis.
  • Hands-on experience in test optimization and automation.
  • Experience in RF simulation tools, such as HFSS, Keysight ADS, or equivalent.
  • Working knowledge of high-speed photonics and electronics test components and equipment, including AWGs, VNAs, ESAs, OSAs, high-speed oscilloscopes, signal sources, electrical high-speed amplifiers and filters.
  • Working knowledge of electronic drivers, driving schemes, coding schemes, and microwave theory.
  • Proficient in programming language such as Python and Matlab.
  • Good understanding of photonic devices.
  • Good understanding of sample preparation for test, such as polishing, wirebonding, and PCB.
  • Experience in the following areas is a plus
    • Other simulations tools, such as Lumerical, COMSOL, or equivalent
    • Photonic tapeout, photonic and semiconductor process
    • Semiconductor physics and electro-optical materials
    • High-speed electronics
  • Collaborative in a multi-disciplinary startup environment.
  • Ability to work independently with limited direction.
  • Proven team player with an ability to work with local and remote team members.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Strong critical thinking, creative, innovative, analytical, and detail oriented problem-solving skills.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing technical requirements.
  • Industry experience desirable.

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.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

The range below reflects the minimum and maximum target range for new hire base salary across all US locations. Actual compensation may vary outside of this range 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.

For a fully qualified candidate, the expected base pay range is:

Base Pay Range
$143,000$175,500 USD