Senior Optical Process Engineer

Milpitas, California, United States

PsiQuantum’s mission is to build the first useful quantum computers—machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems. 

Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries. 

Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry—including partners like GlobalFoundries—we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don’t feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure. 

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining—and that now is the time to scale. 

PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies—including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical—to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact. 

Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift—and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real. 

Come join us. 

Job Summary:

The Senior Optical Process Engineer will be responsible for process development and assembly build with quality for R&D and volume system integration and deployment at PsiQuantum. This role requires engineering disciplines in packaging, processing, and associated qualifications, a strong “can-do” attitude in a fast-paced environment, problem-solving, and excellent communication with teams across multiple disciplines

Responsibilities:

  • By working with the sub-assembly design and packaging engineering team, develop assembly process flows and build sub-assemblies for quantum computer (QC) subsystems with electronics and silicon photonics chips on PCBAs for both cryogenic and room-temperature vacuum systems.
  • By working with a cross-functional team and suppliers, finalize the design and assembly process flow using DFM, DFQ, and FMEA tools to meet design targets and requirements set by the sub-system team.
  • Deliver and verify equipment, tooling, and fixtures from suppliers with the support of the supply chain. Complete process development and buy-off, including process capability analysis and a report.
  • Release the assembly process document, work instructions, and control plans in the systems with change controls; train, audit, and release the processes and controls to the operations team for volume assembly builds.
  • Develop in-house processes with the Operations team and manage contractor manufacturing for external processes, and be responsible for process technical support.

Experience/Qualifications:

Preferred Skills & Experience: 

  • Experienced in data processing tools such as Python, MATLAB, and JMP.
  • Experience working within opto-mechanical process teams with a proven track record to bring a product to volume (e.g., in semiconductor, datacom, telecom, optical communication industry).
  • Familiarity with back-end semiconductor assembly processes, testing methodologies, and equipment, including die attach, wire-bonding, and AOI.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage short deadlines and to follow a disciplined work process. Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to build relationships with multiple groups with strong communication skills to provide process perspective input during product development.
  • A lead by example person, lead from the front attitude when all hands-on-deck situations arise, get involved in day-to-day tasks to assure peak performance and safe work environment for everyone.
  • Provide guidance and training to technicians to enable R&D prototype line.
  • Good team worker, brings in a positive attitude, and is always ready to help others.

Qualifications: 

  • Master’s degree or higher in an applicable engineering discipline, such as Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or Applied Physics.
  • 5+ years of experience applying engineering principles to solve complex opto-mechanical assembly process problems.
  • Exposure to photonics sub-assembly with experience in semiconductor packaging and inspection equipment, processes, and material systems (die attach, wire bonding, optical coupling, flip chip, underfill, etc.).
  • Familiar with key opto-mechanical packaging and assembly equipment, piece-part supplier base, and the quality system.
  • Experience in design, analysis, and assembly of subsystems; built NPI pilot line, transferred process to operation, and supported manufacturing; supplier and contract manufacturing management experience is a plus
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Self-starter.
  • Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to provide technical leadership in ambiguous situations.

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.

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