Senior Vacuum System Engineer

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:

The cryogenic engineering department is hiring a vacuum system engineer who will be heavily involved in the quantum computer design. This position will interact with multiple teams internally and suppliers externally.

Responsibilities 

• The Vacuum System Engineer focuses primarily on the vacuum system design to support quantum computer
• Applying knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and structural mechanics to the development of vacuum system.
• Detailed analysis, design and test of pumps, pipes, pressure control devices
• Leading engineering activities from concept development to final onsite commissioning of various vacuum equipment
• Analyzing field issues related to vacuum system design and providing solutions where required.
• Thoroughly documenting design inputs and outputs.
• General design activities such as requirements management, materials and component selection, Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and tolerance analyses.
• Assisting and/or directing vendors to develop necessary manufacture process
• Actively participating in cross functional project teams through all phases of product development to ensure successful execution of innovative and best-in-class designs.

Experience/Qualifications 

• Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Physics.
• Software tools – Mathcad, SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Workbench, Solidworks, Fluent, SpaceClaim, Matlab
• 5+ years of experience applying engineering principles to solve complex thermal/fluid problems
• Demonstrated technical knowledge and work experience in high vacuum theory, practice, and equipment, including clean room procedures and techniques, leak detectors, residual gas analyzers, vacuum pumps and vacuum gauges, vacuum modelling, and vacuum practices and procedures as applied in particle-free cryogenic environments.
• Experience specifying and operating electrical vacuum pumps and modern vacuum system
• Demonstrated use of advanced analysis tools to solve complex problems at the appropriate level of detail – Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Finite Difference, and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• Experience performing risk evaluation and process hazard analyses for vacuum systems
• Knowledge of ASME BPVC and B31.3 codes
• Ability to adapt changes and handle multiple assignments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Desired Skills/Experience:

• Experience with multiple material performance, design constraints, and manufacture constraints under cryogenics.
• Hands performances on experience with fabrication methods such as machining, welding, brazing, soldering, forming, etc.
• Experience with deep vacuum systems, including cyro pumps, ion pumps, turbomolecular pumps,
• Hands-on experience performing lab testing and data acquisition.
• Solid understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing per ASME Y14.5.

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 [email protected].

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