High-speed Photonic Experimentalist

Job Title

High-speed Photonic Experimentalist

Role Summary

Owner of high-speed electro-optic characterization and validation for active photonic devices, circuits, and subsystems used in large-scale quantum systems. Work cross-functionally with electronics, packaging, manufacturing, test, firmware, and system validation teams to translate device-level results into reliable system performance.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Hiring level will be calibrated to candidate experience; candidates with PhD/postdoctoral exposure or additional industry experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Primary duties include planning, executing, and analyzing high-speed photonic measurements and translating results into design or process improvements.

• Lead electro-optic characterization of active photonic devices, circuits, and subsystems (phase shifters, switches, modulators).
• Perform S-parameter, high-speed time-domain waveform, switching response, bandwidth, insertion loss, and extinction ratio measurements.
• Configure and run tests across wafer-level probing, connectorized devices, packaged assemblies, and integrated system builds with PCBs, drivers, and FPGAs.
• Translate device and system requirements into executable test plans and learning objectives.
• Analyze and model measurement data to diagnose performance limitations and recommend improvements.
• Develop automated test methods, measurement scripts, and analysis pipelines as required.
• Document measurement methods, calibration procedures, and results with reproducibility and calibration control in mind.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior team members.

Requirements

Core technical requirements and demonstrated skills.

• Hands-on experience with high-speed electro-optic measurements and integrated photonic devices.
• Proficiency with RF, microwave, and optical test equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, VNAs, high-speed probes, lasers, photodetectors, optical power meters).
• Strong understanding of RF measurement concepts: S-parameters, impedance matching, calibration, de-embedding, signal integrity, and measurement uncertainty.
• Experience developing automated test systems, measurement scripts, or data pipelines for high-speed characterization.
• Strong data analysis and visualization skills and the ability to draw actionable conclusions from measurements.
• Ability to plan and execute experiments independently and collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with active photonic material platforms (e.g., thin-film lithium niobate, BTO, doped silicon, InP, GaAs, InGaAsP).
• Familiarity with photonic packaging, manufacturing-oriented test environments, and high-volume test processes.
• Experience with simulation and modelling tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, HFSS, ADS) or FPGA/driver integration and firmware-controlled test systems.

Education Requirements

MS or PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, optical engineering, photonics, or a related technical discipline. Candidates with equivalent industry experience or postdoctoral experience are considered.

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.