Senior Precision Alignment Software Engineer, Optical Packaging

Job Title

Senior Precision Alignment Software Engineer, Optical Packaging

Role Summary

Lead the design, development, and deployment of automation software for high-precision optical alignment systems used in R&D and manufacturing. You will work on real-time control, motion sequencing, and integration of nano-positioners, cameras, and sensors.

This role sits on a multidisciplinary team bridging software engineering, optics, hardware, and robotics and focuses on enabling repeatable, scalable automated alignment and testing workflows.

Experience Level

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

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include designing control software and alignment algorithms and integrating precision hardware into automated workflows.

• Architect and implement real-time automation software for precision optomechanical systems and nano-positioning stages.
• Develop algorithms and motion sequences for sub-micron optical alignment, calibration, and measurement routines.
• Integrate motion controllers (e.g., piezo nano-positioners) with cameras, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Design and maintain scalable automation frameworks for functional testing, validation, and performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with mechanical, optical, and systems engineers to define software-hardware interfaces.
• Lead architecture discussions, conduct code reviews, and mentor junior engineers.
• Ensure software reliability, repeatability, and maintainability in lab and production environments.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and domain experience; degree requirements are listed under Education Requirements.

• 8+ years experience 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 (examples: PI, Aerotech, Newport), motion controllers, or precision actuators.
• Deep understanding of control systems, closed-loop feedback, and sensor integration.
• Familiarity with optical laboratory instrumentation and high-precision metrology.
• Experience with data acquisition and automation tools or platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom solutions).
• Proven ability to debug complex hardware-software interactions and produce clear documentation.
• Nice-to-have: image processing / computer vision (OpenCV), interferometry or beam-steering alignment techniques, high-vacuum or cleanroom automation, experience with Jira and Arena PLM.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field (as stated). No other degree or equivalent-experience language was provided.

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.