--- title: 'Senior Optical Process Engineer at PsiQuantum' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-optical-process-engineer-psiquantum-milpitas-california-a8gz0nyabar8' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-07' --- # Senior Optical Process Engineer at PsiQuantum - **Company:** PsiQuantum - **Location:** Milpitas California, United States - **Posted:** 2025-12-22 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07 - **Apply:** https://www.psiquantum.com/apply?gh_jid=7568801003 ## Job description 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. ## About PsiQuantum ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: PsiQuantum is building and deploying the world’s first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers using a photonic approach and commercial semiconductor manufacturing. - **Entity Type**: Private (Series E) - **Headquarters**: Palo Alto, California, USA - **Founded**: 2016 - **Founders**: Prof. Jeremy O’Brien, Prof. Terry Rudolph, Dr. Pete Shadbolt, Prof. Mark Thompson ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Quantum Computing - **Target customers**: Enterprises, governments, and researchers in energy, materials, pharmaceuticals, finance, and national security sectors - **Mission**: To build and deploy useful, fault-tolerant quantum computers that can solve previously intractable problems. ## Products & Services - **[Omega Chipset]**: A silicon photonic chipset, manufactured at scale at GlobalFoundries’ Fab 8 (Malta, NY), integrating all photonic components (superconducting detectors, single photon sources, optical switches) for fault-tolerant quantum computing. - **[Construct Platform]**: A free, open-access software platform launched in May 2026 for designing quantum circuits, writing and simulating fault-tolerant quantum algorithms, and optimizing resources. Supports visual circuit design and Python-based tools. - **[Utility-Scale Quantum Computers]**: Modular, fault-tolerant quantum computers being built at two sites — Moreton Bay Central, Queensland, Australia (ground broken June 2026) and the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) in Chicago, USA. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Total Funding**: Not publicly disclosed, but the company raised a **$1 billion Series E** financing round in 2025. It also signed a **$100 million Letter of Intent** with the U.S. Department of Commerce under the CHIPS and Science Act (May 2026). - **Key Metric**: **500+ employees** (as of 2026) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: - U.S. Department of Commerce (CHIPS Act incentives) - DARPA (advanced to final phase of US2QC program within the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative) - U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory ($22.5 million contract) - Australian Commonwealth and Queensland governments (A$940 million investment package announced April 2024) - GlobalFoundries (manufacturing partner) - Hartree Centre (UK research partnership) - **Growth Signals**: - Broke ground on the world’s first utility-scale quantum computer site in Australia (June 2026). - Opened a new Test & Validation Lab at Griffith University, Brisbane (2024-2025). - Launched Construct software platform to all developers (May 2026), expanding community reach. - Established an R&D facility at STFC Daresbury Laboratory, UK. - Government Advisory Board established with senior former U.S. officials. ## Competitive Advantages - **Photonic Approach**: Uses photons (light) as qubits, which do not feel heat or electromagnetic interference. This allows control electronics to be colocated close to the qubit, reducing system size and cost. - **Semiconductor Leverage**: Manufactures chips at a commercial, high-volume foundry (GlobalFoundries), leveraging trillions of dollars of existing infrastructure — a stark contrast to the custom cleanroom approach of most quantum startups. - **Modular & Fiber-Based Scaling**: Uses standard telecom optical fiber to network chips, solving the inter-chip connection challenge with ultra-low-loss (reduced from ~50% to ~1%), enabling error-correction-compatible scaling. - **Government Backing**: Deep partnerships with U.S. and Australian governments, DARPA, and key national labs signal strong trust and long-term strategic alignment. ## Strategic Focus - **Scale to Utility**: Building the world’s first utility-scale (million-qubit) fault-tolerant quantum computers and deploying them as infrastructure. - **Geographic Expansion**: Simultaneous buildouts in Australia (Moreton Bay) and the U.S. (Chicago), with R&D in the UK. - **Ecosystem Development**: Growing the developer community through the free Construct platform to build applications and algorithms before the hardware is fully online. - **Technology Stack Integration**: Continuous improvement of the Omega chipset, cryogenic cabinets, networking, and control systems as an integrated platform. ## Why Work Here - **Groundbreaking Mission**: Opportunity to work on one of the hardest engineering challenges of our time — building useful quantum computers that could reshape energy, materials, pharma, and national security. - **Career Impact**: Be part of a team scaling from “lab to fab” with a strong track record of meeting DARPA milestones and government contracts. The company is moving from R&D into construction and deployment. - **Flexible Work Policy**: Offers in-office, hybrid, and remote options depending on team and location. - **Benefits**: - Competitive health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents - 401(k) with company match, equity grants, financial wellness tools - Generous parental leave policy - Discretionary Time Off (DTO) plus federal holidays and end-of-year company shutdown - $200 quarterly health reimbursement - 12 therapy + 6 coaching sessions with Modern Health - Annual membership to Care.com - **Locations**: Palo Alto (HQ, CA), Brisbane (QLD, Aus), Chicago (IL), Daresbury (UK), Malta (NY). Global team with multiple R&D and manufacturing hubs. ## Sources 1. [PsiQuantum Official Site](https://www.psiquantum.com/) 2. [PsiQuantum About Page](https://www.psiquantum.com/about) 3. [PsiQuantum Careers Page](https://www.psiquantum.com/careers) 4. [PsiQuantum Technology Page](https://www.psiquantum.com/technology) 5. [Wikipedia - PsiQuantum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PsiQuantum) ## Other roles at PsiQuantum - [Technical Product Management Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-product-management-lead-psiquantum-palo-alto-california-kndaz5en8z58) — Palo Alto California, United States - [Staff Optical Fiber Link Design Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-optical-fiber-link-design-engineer-psiquantum-milpitas-california-19vy85t371pe) — Milpitas California, United States - [Solution Business Development Lead​](https://feeny.ai/job/solution-business-development-lead-psiquantum-palo-alto-california-t5432zkhyye5) — Palo Alto California, United States - [Senior Quantum Chemistry Product Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-quantum-chemistry-product-manager-psiquantum-palo-alto-california-5axfy589azv3) — Palo Alto California, United States - [Computational Chemist - GPU Acceleration](https://feeny.ai/job/computational-chemist-gpu-acceleration-psiquantum-palo-alto-california-nhsfpd8j5v00) — Palo Alto California, United States - [Director, Australia Finance](https://feeny.ai/job/director-australia-finance-psiquantum-brisbane-queensland-cj6qyees65fj) — Brisbane Queensland, Australia - [Senior Director, Technology Partnerships](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-technology-partnerships-psiquantum-chicago-illinois-7vyh64qf8rcf) — Chicago Illinois, United States - [Senior Administrative Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-administrative-assistant-psiquantum-brisbane-queensland-prhj9wgbg4hk) — Brisbane Queensland, Australia - [Senior Director, Finance Business Partner – Optical Circuit Switch (OCS)](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-director-finance-business-partner-optical-circuit-switch-ocs-psiquantum-w37d4hnr9pg4) — Palo Alto California, United States - [Senior Executive Assistant](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-executive-assistant-psiquantum-palo-alto-california-4rh37yrgcann) — Palo Alto California, United States