Quantum Qubit Design Engineer

Job Title

Quantum Qubit Design Engineer

Role Summary

The Quantum Qubit Design Engineer designs and scales silicon spin-qubit processors by developing PDKs, EDA flows, and routing strategies from PDK implementation through tapeout and fabrication NPI. The role partners with lithography, process, measurement, control, software, packaging and system teams to deliver production-ready qubit chips.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Typical candidates have several years of industry or research experience (rough guideline: ~3–7 years); specific minimum experience varies with degree (see Education Requirements).

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with lithography, process integration, measurement, and PDK engineers to establish qubit processes and design rules.
• Architect standard cell design and automation for qubits and readout elements.
• Develop process files, models, and extraction capability with TCAD and PDK engineers and EDA vendors.
• Partner with quantum software and control teams to evaluate topology and quantum error correction tradeoffs.
• Design automation and create Automated Place & Route (APR) flows for qubit routing, including AI/ML-based routing optimization for large I/O counts.
• Drive signal integrity and crosstalk analysis to define routing strategies for large-scale qubit processors.
• Create or extend EDA tool capabilities and customized PDK collateral (including signal extraction and thermal analysis) for large-scale processors.
• Execute designs from PDK implementation through tapeout and fab NPI, and perform industry-standard validations (DRC, LVS, Extraction) prior to signoff.
• Co-design interposer interfaces and routing with control, packaging, and system teams to bridge qubit processors to control ASICs.
• Design and tape out electrical characterization test structures and support external customers in implementing Intel quantum PDK collateral.

Requirements

Must-have qualifications and skills:

• Minimum 1+ years experience in at least one of the following areas: EM modeling/simulation for signal integrity and crosstalk; standard cell design and design automation flow implementation (SKILL, VSR, MSOA or equivalent); digital APR and scripting/configuration of APR tools (e.g., TCL); running industry-standard validations (DRC, ERC, LVS, PEX) on foundry PDKs; implementing PDK collateral and design flows.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills and experimental insight with practical implementation focus.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for technical and non-technical audiences; collaborative mindset to work across diverse teams.
• High motivation for hands-on, self-directed work and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to drive independent R&D initiatives and contribute to cross-functional integration (control, packaging, system teams).

Nice-to-have / preferred:

• Electrical measurement experience with qubits, quantum devices, transistors, or integrated circuits.
• Process-integration experience with qubit or CMOS devices or interconnects.
• Experience with dilution refrigerators or other cryogenic systems.
• RFIC design or experience with cryogenic control of qubits; design of superconducting circuits and interconnects.
• Programming, scripting, or driver development for automation (e.g., Python).
• Experience implementing ML/AI-based digital design routing algorithms.
• Experience working with EDA tool vendors to enable customized design solutions.

Education Requirements

Minimum: Bachelor's degree with 4 years of relevant experience, Master's degree with 3 years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Cryogenic Engineering, Quantum Technologies, Quantum Engineering, or a related engineering field. Requirements may also be met through a combination of industry experience, internships, coursework, and research.

About the Company

Company: Intel Corporation

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA

Intel Corporation is a leading multinational technology company known for its innovative semiconductor solutions, including microprocessors, artificial intelligence accelerators, and memory products. Headquartered in the United States, Intel focuses on cutting-edge technology and a collaborative working environment, driving advancements in semiconductor manufacturing to meet global demands. The company emphasizes professional development and aims to shape the future of technology through groundbreaking designs.