Director, Electro-Optical Validation

Job Title

Director, Electro-Optical Validation

Role Summary

Lead validation and characterization for next-generation high-speed electro-optical modules based on silicon photonics, from early proof-of-concept test methods through readiness for high-volume manufacturing. You will define the global validation strategy and drive cross-functional failure analysis, test development, and yield reporting for sub-assemblies and blades used in quantum computing systems.

Experience Level

Senior - requires 10+ years industry experience validating and testing optical/electro-optical systems and at least 5+ years of team and people management experience (director-level preferred).

Responsibilities

Lead the validation program and manage the validation team to deliver on schedule and report key findings to stakeholders.

• Develop and own comprehensive characterization, verification, and validation plans for electro-optical multiplexers and switches.
• Manage the validation team: technical oversight, project management, hiring/mentoring, performance reviews, and career development.
• Supervise measurements, produce validation reports and daily activity summaries, and drive failure analysis with cross-functional teams.
• Monitor milestones, assess impact of delays, and provide yield indications and status to operations and program leadership.
• Review electro-optical hardware designs (optics, electronics, firmware, software, thermal) to define measurable parameters and improve testability.
• Establish and maintain cross-functional collaboration to capture learnings for next-generation products.
• Lead technical reviews of data and results, summarize outcomes, and recommend next steps.

Requirements

Must-have qualifications and skills required to perform the role.

• 10+ years industry experience validating and testing optical or electro-optical systems; 5+ years managing teams.
• Proven record leading validation and failure analysis of high-speed electro-optical hardware (for example, high-speed optical transceivers).
• Direct experience validating silicon photonics assemblies, advanced optical modules, or multi-chip co-packaged systems.
• Expertise with high-speed electro-optical devices and test equipment (electro-optical modulators, RF detectors, pulsed lasers, optical real-time oscilloscopes).
• Proficient with measurement instruments such as Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), Digital Communication Analyzers (DCAs), Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSAs), and Bit Error Rate Testers (BERTs).
• Strong debugging skills for RF electronics, electro-optical drive architectures, embedded firmware, and real-time logic.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.

Nice-to-have:

• Director-level or equivalent leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience influencing thermal, mechanical, and integration trade-offs for testability and yield.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree or above in Engineering or a related technical field.

About the Company

Company: PsiQuantum

Headquarters: Palo Alto, CA, United States

PsiQuantum develops silicon-photonic quantum computers aimed at building million-qubit, fault-tolerant systems. Founded in 2016, the company combines semiconductor manufacturing processes, photonic hardware, and quantum software to scale quantum systems for commercial and government applications.