Senior R&D Engineer

Job Title

Senior R&D Engineer

Role Summary

The role focuses on superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) used in silicon-photonics quantum computing. Work combines large-scale data analysis, film metrology, and experiment design informed by microscopic superconductivity theory to improve SNSPD devices and materials.

Collaborate with materials, fabrication, testing, and layout teams to enable scalable, high-performance detectors for fault-tolerant photonic quantum systems.

Experience Level

Senior-level. Requires more than 5 years of relevant experience in SNSPD design, superconductivity theory, or related condensed-matter/superconducting device work.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Perform large-scale analysis of SNSPD performance data using microscopic superconductivity theory and phenomenological device models.
• Design and execute experiments and film metrology studies to inform material and device improvements.
• Translate analysis into material and device design recommendations for tape-outs targeting scalable, high-performance, and higher-temperature operation.
• Work closely with materials science, fabrication, testing, and layout teams to integrate SNSPDs at scale.
• Develop metrics, data pipelines, and reporting to guide engineering decisions.

Requirements

Core qualifications and skills:

• More than 5 years' practical experience in SNSPD design/development or adjacent areas involving superconductivity theory, condensed-matter physics, or superconducting device design.
• Demonstrated ability in data analysis, modeling, and applying theory to device behavior.
• Experience with experimental design and film metrology techniques relevant to detector development.
• Proven cross-functional collaboration with materials, fabrication, testing, and layout engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to present findings and recommendations.
• Nice-to-have: experience with semiconductor fabrication flows, scaling detectors for higher-temperature operation, or photonics integration.

Education Requirements

PhD in a technical discipline is preferred but not required; equivalent practical experience is acceptable. Relevant fields include superconductivity/condensed-matter physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or related technical disciplines.

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.