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Experimental Quantum Optics R&D Engineer

PsiQuantum
Palo Alto CA USA
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PsiQuantum is uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing. We have already demonstrated that it’s possible to manufacture core quantum components using the standard and scalable manufacturing processes of a world-leading semiconductor fab.

Our team is working across the full stack of quantum computing, from hardware design, manufacturing, and packaging through to quantum architecture and quantum algorithms. We’re a highly integrated, collaborative group and love tackling problems than span across interfaces.

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 of nonlinear optics component. The employee is expected to prioritize the work according to the team vision and to contribute to the development of the team 

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 spectroscopy.
    • 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.

The base annual salary range for this full-time role is between $106,000 to $192,000. This range 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.

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.

company Experimental Quantum Optics R&D Engineer
Apply Palo Alto CA USA