R&D Engineer - Integrated Photonics
PsiQuantumJob Title
R&D Engineer - Integrated Photonics
Role Summary
Design, execute, and automate experiments to characterize integrated photonic circuits used in a silicon-photonics quantum computing platform. Collaborate with circuit designers and systems engineers to validate device performance and develop scalable test methodologies.
Onsite role based in Palo Alto focused on laboratory characterization, automation, and documentation for production-scale photonic systems.
Experience Level
Mid-level. Advanced hands-on experimental experience in integrated optics and photonic circuit characterization is expected; no specific years of experience specified.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include experimental design, data acquisition, analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Design and execute experiments to characterize integrated photonic circuits across multiple optical wavelengths.
- Test and analyze devices with directional couplers, interferometers, electro-optic modulators, and phase shifters.
- Develop automated experimental control and data acquisition systems (Python preferred).
- Interpret experimental results and troubleshoot device performance with designers and engineers.
- Produce detailed reports and documentation of procedures and results.
- Contribute to development of scalable testing methodologies for large-scale photonic systems.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills and practical laboratory experience.
Must-have:
- Strong experimental background in integrated optics and photonic circuit characterization.
- Hands-on experience with directional couplers, interferometers (MZI/AMZI), and phase shifters.
- Proficiency in Python for experiment automation and data analysis.
- Experience with complex optical measurement setups and laboratory instrumentation.
- Ability to collaborate with design and systems teams and to document experimental work.
Nice-to-have:
- Experience developing scalable test methodologies for production-scale photonic systems.
- Experience with electro-optic modulators and cryogenic measurement interfaces.
Education Requirements
PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field required.
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.
