R&D Engineer, Photon Sources

Daresbury, England, United Kingdom

PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the world’s first fault tolerant quantum computer capable of tackling today’s most intractable computational challenges to deliver transformative results.    We know that means it will need roughly 1 million qubits and will be building scale in size. 

Quantum computing is expected to deliver breakthroughs for today’s still impossible computational tasks. By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over even the most powerful of today’s conventional supercomputers offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of applications including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more. 

PsiQuantum is uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing. Our architecture is based on photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components using high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that have been applied in telecommunications and data center applications for decades.  Since photons don’t feel heat, we can take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems, the kind that have been operating at facilities like Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC) since 2018.  And because photons are basically light, they can move between subsystems using standard fiber connectivity, without the need for transduction in and out. 

Our team is working across the full stack of quantum computing, from quantum architecture to photonic chip manufacturing, advanced opto-electronic packaging, hardware systems design, quantum algorithms and software tools, and cryogenic cooling.   We’re a highly motivated and collaborative group focused on a singular goal - building the world’s first Fault Tolerant Quantum Computer on the fastest path possible. 

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

Job Summary:

The role is to make experimental progress towards a photon pair source by: 

  • Designing nonlinear optical and single photon tests needed to characterize the photon pair generation platform.   
  • Building test stations and developing the corresponding routines and control software.
  • Performing measurements and analysis.

The employee will be responsible for selecting the equipment for specialized tests and coordinating the use of existing equipment.  

The employee will formulate meaningful reports. This can include some simulation work. 

The employee is expected to help others in the company in developing experimental work with a single photon component. The employee is expected to prioritize the work according to the team vision and to contribute to the development of the team roadmap.  

Responsibilities:

  • Technical individual contribution
    • Design experimental stations.
    • Build experimental stations.
    • Participate in the definition of the best, clearest quantum/nonlinear optics experiments to support photon source learnings.
    • Run experiments.
    • Analyze data.
    • Generate reports.
    • Participate in the simulation and design of photon sources.
    • Participate in the generation of technical reports.
  • Technical leadership
    • Anticipate testing needs for photon source technical learnings
    • Clarify priorities
    • Facilitate IP protection
  • Team / Staff management
    • Identify missing skills
    • Participate in hiring to fill in open positions within the team
  • Project leadership
    • Formulate plan and estimate budget for experimental builds.
    • Track progress of experimental projects.
  • Cross-team interaction
    • Keep a strong communication with the test and system teams.
    • Help develop the code base for data acquisition, analysis, and visualization.
    • Help other teams develop tests with a single photon component.

Experience/Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of relevant experimental work in quantum optics and nonlinear optics. 
    • Proven skill in designing and managing nonlinear optics and/or photonics experiments. 
    • Proven skill writing control software ideally in Python.
    • Proven skill modeling and analyzing experiments ideally in Python/Mathematica.
    • Experience leading technical projects.
  • Proven skill in Applied Physics.
  • Proven experience in computational thinking.
  • Experience working with leading edge technologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

  • Subject Matter Expertise:
    • Linear optics, imaging, microscopy, fiber optics
    • Laser optics (physics, operation, and safety), work with pulsed lasers, broadband spectrometry
    • Single photon measurements, coincidences, statistics, single photon spectroscope
    • Experimental physics, design of control systems
    • Photonics testing, coupling to integrated circuits, automation
    • Operation of cryogenic equipment
    • Quantum optics theory
    • Nonlinear optics theory
    • Quantum information theory
  • Core skills:
    • Prioritization
    • Deduction
    • Attention to detail
    • Hands-on
    • Thinking outside the box
    • Open to change
    • Commitment to only deliver high quality work
  • Performance in team environment:
    • Open listening
    • Curiosity
    • Openness to share and ask for advice
    • Learning while collaborating
    • Fast learning
  • Leadership:
    • Drive to engage others
    • Delegation
  • Planning and Organization:
    • High level picture
    • Focus on getting things closed
  • People Management:
    • Empathy
    • Ability to ask useful questions
  • Interpersonal Skills / Communications:
    • Ability to explain clearly
    • Ability to engage an audience
  • Project management:
    • Commitment to deliver on time

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.

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