Senior Experimental Systems Engineer

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

PsiQuantum is opening a new laboratory in Brisbane, Australia, to focus on the validation and high-performance operation—and related methodology—of our quantum photonic systems. We are looking for an experienced, motivated researcher to lead the experimental efforts within the laboratory. The successful candidate will be responsible for building and leading a focused team that will design and execute experiments to validate and calibrate quantum computer subsystems to fault-tolerant levels and beyond at high cadence. They will identify physical processes that limit photonic quantum performance and feedback new understandings to improve designs and operations of future generation of quantum hardware, and new generations of validation methodologies. They will collaborate broadly with design and engineering teams across all of PsiQuantum’s technical disciplines, including optics, quantum optics, photonics, electronics, cryogenics, quantum architecture, and software to understand system performance and inform engineering models.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists and engineers to design and execute experiments to optimize and quantify integrated photonic quantum computer systems performance at high cadence.
• Work with system design teams to define and document validation objectives and test plans. Manage equipment, time, and people resources to maximize the value of experimental efforts.
• Develop validation, calibration, self-test, and control procedures for novel quantum photonic systems, extending capabilities beyond current state-of-the-art.
• Analyze, reduce, and deliver experimental data. Work with other engineering teams to ensure that the data informs engineering models for system performance.
• Debug complex systems and work with other engineering teams to conduct failure analysis and resolve design or manufacturing issues as appropriate.
• Communicate experimental outcomes clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

Experience/Qualifications 

• PhD in Experimental Quantum Physics, Photonic/Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience post-degree and a demonstrated track record of delivering high quality research outcomes. Supervisorial experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design and execution of complex quantum experiments in a cross-functional environment.
• Broad technical knowledge with ability to dive deep into required technical areas of our systems including hardware, software, controls, precision measurement, photonics, and quantum information.
• Software development for instrumentation, controls, test equipment, and data analysis.
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, time zones.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences including senior leadership and technical experts.
• Demonstrated interest in PsiQuantum’s mission and vision for quantum computing, with an ability to contribute within a fast-paced start-up environment consistent with PsiQuantum’s values of communication, collaboration, respect, results, and challenge.

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.
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