Senior Instrument Control Software and Automation Engineer, Optical Packaging

Job Title

Senior Instrument Control Software and Automation Engineer, Optical Packaging

Role Summary

Lead design, development, and deployment of automation and instrument-control software for precision optical alignment and packaging systems. Work on real-time control, motion sequencing, and integration of nano-positioners, cameras, and sensors to accelerate R&D and manufacturing.

This role sits on a multidisciplinary team interfacing software, optics, hardware, and robotics to deliver scalable, repeatable automation solutions for lab and production environments.

Experience Level

Senior — 8+ years of experience in automation software engineering, motion control, or hardware integration.

Responsibilities

Deliver software and automation for precision optical systems and lead technical workstreams.

• Architect and implement automation software for real-time control of opto-mechanical alignment systems and nano-positioning stages.
• Develop algorithms and motion sequences for sub-micron optical alignment, calibration, and measurement routines.
• Integrate motion controllers (PI, Aerotech, Newport, etc.) with cameras, sensors, and DAQ systems to automate alignment workflows.
• Design and maintain scalable automation frameworks for functional testing, system validation, and performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with mechanical, optical, and systems engineers to define software–hardware interfaces.
• Guide junior engineers, lead code reviews, and drive architecture and technical decisions.
• Ensure software quality, reliability, and repeatability in lab and production settings.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, tools, and experience.

• 8+ years in automation software engineering with emphasis on motion control or hardware integration.
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or C# for real-time systems and hardware interfacing.
• Hands-on experience with nano-positioning systems, motion controllers, or precision actuators.
• Deep understanding of control systems, sensor integration, and closed-loop feedback.
• Familiarity with optical laboratory instrumentation and high-precision metrology.
• Experience with data acquisition and automation tools (LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom platforms).
• Proven ability to debug complex electro-mechanical systems and produce clear documentation.

Nice-to-have:

• Image processing and computer vision experience (OpenCV or similar).
• Optical alignment techniques, beam steering, or interferometry.
• Experience with high-vacuum or cleanroom-compatible automation.
• Familiarity with Jira and Arena PLM.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical 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.