Senior Engineer, Quantum Characterization, Verification, and Validation

Quantum computing holds the promise of humanity’s mastery over the natural world, but only if we can build a real quantum computer. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the first real, useful quantum computers, capable of delivering the world-changing applications that the technology has long promised. We know that means we will need to build a system with roughly 1 million qubits that supports fault tolerant error correction within a scalable architecture, and a data center footprint.

By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today’s most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more.

PsiQuantum has determined the fastest path to delivering a useful quantum computer, years earlier than the rest of the industry. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components at Tier-1 semiconductor fabs such as GlobalFoundries where we leverage high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are already producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. We also benefit from the quantum mechanics reality that photons don’t feel heat or electromagnetic interference, allowing us to take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems and industry standard fiber connectivity.

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced two government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first Quantum Data Centers and utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia and Chicago, Illinois. Both projects are backed by nations that understand quantum computing’s potential impact and the need to scale this technology to unlock that potential. And we won’t just be building the hardware, but also the fault tolerant quantum applications that will provide industry-transforming results.

Quantum computing is not just an evolution of the decades-old advancement in compute power. It provides the key to mastering our future, not merely discovering it. The potential is enormous, and we have the plan to make it real. Come join us.

There’s much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey!

Job Summary

At PsiQuantum we are developing and deploying exciting new technologies in the pursuit of a fault-tolerant photonic quantum computer. With these new tools, such as ultra-low loss SiN photonics, high-efficiency waveguide-integrated photon number-resolving detectors, and photon multiplexers, we are moving into exciting and new areas of multi-photon and multi-qubit quantum optics which have never been accessible to previous hardware. We are seeking an experienced researcher to lead the development of new methods for characterizing entangled states of photonic qubits, identifying and diagnosing qubit errors.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in the design and execution of tests on PsiQuantum’s quantum computer prototypes to quantify photonic qubit performance and diagnose sources of Pauli error and qubit erasure.
• Develop and document novel data collection and analysis techniques to validate and verify entangled qubit states.
• Define diagnostic photon statistics to be collected during system operations, to identify and diagnose qubit error mechanisms and system faults.
• Define and document requirements for the collection, analysis, and storage of data and work with the software and electronics teams to implement these.
• Develop models for quantum system performance based on test data from system-level tests. Work with the Systems Architecture team and other engineering teams to validate their engineering models against the test results.
• Communicate quantum performance outcomes broadly to internal stakeholders.
  
  

Experience/Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with demonstrated deep subject matter expertise in quantum characterization, verification, and validation. Post-doctoral experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop novel methods to characterize entangled qubit states.
• Software development for data analysis and quantum modelling (python preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with some, or all, of the following preferred:
• Quantum optics, photonic qubits, integrated silicon photonics
• Fusion-based, measurement-based, or cluster state models of quantum computation
• Quantum error correction
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, time zones.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction and own responsibility for delivering validation objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences including senior leadership and technical experts.
• Demonstrated interest in PsiQuantum’s mission and vision for quantum computing, with an ability to contribute within a fast-paced start-up environment consistent with PsiQuantum’s values of communication, collaboration, respect, results, and challenge.
  

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

The range below reflects the minimum and maximum target range for new hire base salary across all US locations. Actual compensation may vary outside of this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

For a fully qualified candidate, the expected base pay range is:

Base Pay Range

$135,000—$180,000 USD