Senior Optical Process Engineer

Milpitas , United States

AI overview

Lead process development and assembly integration for quantum computing subsystems while collaborating across multiple engineering teams to deliver high-quality solutions.

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/Staff 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 qualification, a strong “can do” attitude in a fast-paced environment, problem-solving, excellent communication with teams across multiple disciplines

Responsibilities:

  • By working with sub-assembly design and packaging engineering team; develop assembly process flow, and build sub-assemblies for quantum computer (QC) sub-systems with electronics and silicon photonics chips on PCBAs for both cryogenic and room temperature vacuum systems.
  • By working with cross-functional team and suppliers, finalize design, and assembly process flow with DFM, DFQ, FMEA tools to meet design target and requirement by sub-system team.
  • Deliver and verify equipment, tooling and fixtures by suppliers with the support of supply chain. Complete process development, and buyoff with process capability analysis and report.
  • Release assembly process document, work instructions and control plans in the systems with change controls; Train, audit and release processes and controls to operation team for volume assembly build.
  • Develop in-house processes with Operation team and manage contractor manufacture for external processes; and be responsible for process technical support.
 

Experience/Qualifications:

Preferred Skills & Experience: 

  • Experienced in data processing tools such as Python, MATLAB, JMP.
  • Experience working within opto-mechanical process teams with proven track record to bring 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 and bring in positive attitude and 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 system (die attach, wire bonding, optical coupling, flip chip, underfill … etc.).
  • Familiar with key opto-mechanical packaging and assembly equipment and piece-part supplier base and the quality system.
  • Experience in design, analysis and assembly of subsystems; build NPI pilot line, transfer process to operation and support manufacture; supplier and contract manufacture 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 [email protected].

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

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