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Full-Time

Experimental Quantum Optics R&D Engineer

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

PsiQuantum

PsiQuantum

201-500 employees

Develops commercially useful photonics-based quantum computers

Hardware
AI & Machine Learning
Aerospace

Compensation Overview

$143k - $175.5kAnnually

+ Equity + Benefits

Junior, Mid

Palo Alto, CA, USA

Category
Quantitative Research
Quantitative Finance
Required Skills
Python
Requirements
  • 2+ years of relevant experimental work in photonics and integrated optics in the telecom regime (PhD or Industry)
  • Proven skill in designing and complex photonics experiments
  • Proven skill writing control software (preferred Python)
  • Proven skill modeling and analyzing experiments (preferred Python/Mathematica)
  • Proven skill in Applied Physics
  • Proven experience in computational thinking
Responsibilities
  • Testing individual photonic circuits with a variety of optical and electro-optical means.
  • Generating characterization reports and document procedures and troubleshooting
  • Designing and building experimental test stations and developing the corresponding routines and control software. This includes formulating plans and estimating budgets for experimental builds as well as tracking progress of experimental projects.
  • Participating in the definition of experiments to support fast learnings, and at-scale characterization to enable the deployment of a large quantum computer.
  • Selecting the equipment for specialized tests and coordinating the use of existing equipment.
  • Developing experimental work for advanced components with other cross-functional teams.
  • Extending the way we collect, communicate and correlate experimental results. This may include performing simulations and analyzing data coming from a different variety of sources (e.g. wafer-scale testing).
  • Keeping strong communication with other experimental teams at PsiQ.
  • Prioritizing the work according to the team vision and contributing to the development of the team.
  • Participating to hiring decisions and mentoring of new hires and interns.

PsiQuantum is developing the world's first commercially useful quantum computer with a photonics-based architecture, leveraging pre-existing manufacturing processes and infrastructure. The company's approach focuses on quantum error correction and solving real-world problems in fields such as medicine, energy, and finance.

Company Stage

Series D

Total Funding

$1.4B

Headquarters

Palo Alto, California

Founded

2015

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

14%

1 year growth

18%

2 year growth

31%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The $940 million investment from Australian and Queensland governments positions PsiQuantum for substantial growth and innovation.
  • The establishment of PsiQuantum's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Brisbane is expected to create 400 jobs and numerous PhD positions, boosting local talent and the economy.
  • PsiQuantum's ambitious plan to operationalize a million-qubit quantum computer by 2027 could revolutionize industries such as renewable energy, healthcare, and transportation.

What critics are saying

  • The high financial stakes and public investment in PsiQuantum create pressure for rapid and successful development, which may lead to operational and strategic challenges.
  • The complexity of scaling a fault-tolerant quantum computer to a million qubits poses significant technical risks and uncertainties.

What makes PsiQuantum unique

  • PsiQuantum's focus on building the world's first fault-tolerant, utility-scale quantum computer sets it apart from competitors who are still in the experimental or small-scale phase.
  • The company's photonics-based approach to quantum computing, leveraging advanced semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure, offers a unique technological edge.
  • Significant financial backing from both the Australian federal and Queensland state governments, along with strategic partnerships with local universities, provides a robust support system for rapid development.