Principal, Electro-Optics System Engineer

Milpitas, California, United States

Quantum computing holds the promise of humanity’s mastery over the natural world, but only if we can build a real quantum computer. Psi Quantum 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.

Psi Quantum 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 Global Foundries 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, Psi Quantum 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 Principal Electro-Optics Systems Engineer is a technical lead role in which he/she drives and own design and execution of fiber optic systems. This role is responsible for leading from early development to productization of optical network and communications, including design, validation and woking with vendors to deliver full optical development for large quantum systems.

Responsibilities:

• Technical Lead of full optical design and distribution network for large systems & multiple systems.
• Own, define & develop design requirements and document requirements for system level behaviors.
• Work effectively with cross functional team: quantum architect, electronics, mechanical and thermal teams and assess how to negotiate for tradeoffs and meet requirements.
• Work with vendors and evaluate advanced fiber optic components, and qualify such components for use in quantum computing applications.
• Assess how to push technical boundaries to meet tight optical specs (optical loss and thermal stability).
• Lead build and test prototypes, maintain a BOM.
• Lead validation tests plans & deliver proof of concept to productization, working closely with the system build and validation team.
• Deliver electro-optical network for full quantum systems in a fast paced environment.
• Some Python scripting, calling Controls SW APIs / drivers to control lab equipment and proprietary systems.
• Write and maintain documentation of system performance.
• Clear communication and technical lead engineer teams

Experience/Qualifications:

• M.S. or PhD in Physics, Optical or Electrical Engineering with 10+ years industry experience.
• >5+ years experience designing, validating and testing optical systems.
• Expertise in cross-functional product development.
• Sys…