R&D Engineer – Thin Film Materials

Job Title

R&D Engineer 6 Thin Film Materials

Role Summary

Join the Superconducting Devices Group to develop and characterize superconducting thin films for high-performance superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs). The role sits at the intersection of materials science and device engineering and focuses on improving device performance through controlled film growth, metrology, and correlation of materials properties with device behavior.

Experience Level

Mid-level. The role expects at least 4 years of direct experience in thin film growth and metrology.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include experimental development, characterization, and documentation to improve SNSPD performance.

• Develop and optimize superconducting thin films using in-house and external deposition tools.
• Perform materials characterization (XRD, AFM, SEM, TEM, SIMS, STEM/EELS, etc.).
• Conduct electrical measurements at room temperature and cryogenic conditions.
• Analyze relationships between material properties and device performance; identify reliable material indicators for SNSPD behavior.
• Document experimental methods, results, and conclusions; prepare technical reports and present findings to the team.
• Collaborate with external vendors and partners for deposition and testing; track wafer progress and provide regular updates.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience, followed by preferred qualifications.

• 4+ years of direct experience in thin film growth and metrology.
• Hands-on experience with deposition techniques such as PVD, CVD, or MBE.
• Strong understanding of thin film characterization and metrology methods.
• Experience with growth of superconducting materials.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Python, Excel, JMP).
• Clear technical communication and documentation skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with microfabrication and cleanroom processes.
• Experience with advanced microscopy and spectroscopy (STEM/EELS).
• Understanding of superconducting or nanoscale device physics and low-temperature electrical characterization.
• Experience developing measurement methods, improving test setups, automation, or data workflows.
• Ability to link material behavior to device performance.

Education Requirements

M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, 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.