Staff Systems Hardware Engineer
Apply NowCompany: PsiQuantum
Location: Palo Alto, CA 94303
Description:
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:
The Staff Systems HW Engineer is a hands-on role which drives and supports design and execution of fiber optic systems. This role is responsible for developing, prototyping, validating and supporting electro-optical system designs for the purpose of putting complete working systems together. This engineer will work in the System Design team and collaborate cross-functionally with electronics, thermal, mechanical, firmware, optical engineers.
Responsibilities:
Experience/Qualifications:
Preferred Skills & Experience:
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.
Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com
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
$190,000-$295,000 USD
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:
The Staff Systems HW Engineer is a hands-on role which drives and supports design and execution of fiber optic systems. This role is responsible for developing, prototyping, validating and supporting electro-optical system designs for the purpose of putting complete working systems together. This engineer will work in the System Design team and collaborate cross-functionally with electronics, thermal, mechanical, firmware, optical engineers.
Responsibilities:
- Work with optical system designers to define electrical design requirements, develop breakout boards and prototypes and document requirements for system level behaviors.
- Schematics and overall system electrical design, including cabling definitions.
- Box and board bring up, troubleshooting and testing signal integrity and EMI suppression
- Work with cross-functional teams to execute designs, debug tests for hardware control systems.
- Define and execute validation tests, work closely with the System Build, System Commissioning, HW Design teams
- Python scripting, calling Controls SW APIs / drivers to control lab equipment and proprietary systems.
- Adapt to new challenges and develop new skills to suit the task at hand.
Experience/Qualifications:
- BS, M.S. or PhD in Physics, Optical or Electrical Engineering.
- 5+ years experience in HW development for optical transceivers and RF products.
- Experience with RF testing, EMI suppression, FPGA's, microcontrollers, clock distribution, power distribution.
- Experience using standard test equipment including mixed signal & sampling oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers, signal generators, multimeters, DC power supplies to characterize, optimize, and debug analog, digital, and electro-optics.
- Expertise in cross-functional complext product development.
- Experience with software controls in Python.
- Experience developing test methods and optimization, tuning algorithms.
- Experience in product lifecycles, transitioning from R&D to product development.
- Strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask.
- Strong critical thinking, creative, innovative, analytical, and detail oriented problem-solving skill.
- Ability to work independently with limited direction.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Experience with electro-optics systems.
- Experience with vacuum systems.
- Understanding of photonics & non-linear optics.
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.
Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com
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
$190,000-$295,000 USD