R&D Engineer, Integrated Photonics (Photonic Circuit Characterisation) at PsiQuantum, Palo Alto
Job Description
PsiQuantum is hiring an R&D engineer in integrated photonics in Palo Alto to characterise and validate the photonic circuits behind its quantum computer. The engineer designs and runs experiments on complex optical circuits at several wavelengths, testing devices built from directional couplers, interferometers and electro-optic modulators, and builds automated measurement and data-acquisition systems in Python. A PhD in photonics, physics, electrical engineering or a related field is required.
At a glance
- Role: R&D Engineer, Integrated Photonics
- Location: Palo Alto, California, USA
- Posted: 29 July 2026
- Degree: PhD
- Apply: open until filled (re-checked 13 October 2026)
About the integrated photonics role
- Design and run experiments to characterise integrated photonic circuits across several optical wavelengths
- Test and analyse devices with directional couplers, interferometers and electro-optic modulators
- Build automated experiment control and data acquisition, preferably in Python
- Work with design teams to troubleshoot devices and improve the next iteration
- Write reports and help develop scalable test methods for large photonic systems
Why photonic circuits matter here
PsiQuantum’s quantum computer encodes qubits in single photons travelling through silicon photonic chips, so the loss, phase stability and switching of every interferometer and modulator directly affect whether the machine works. Characterisation engineers feed measured behaviour back into the circuit designs.
What PsiQuantum is looking for
- A PhD in photonics, physics, electrical engineering or a related field
- A strong experimental background in integrated optics and photonic circuit characterisation
- Hands-on work with directional couplers, MZI/AMZI interferometers and phase shifters
- Python for experiment automation and data analysis
- Experience with complex optical measurement setups
Pay and location
PsiQuantum lists a US base pay range of $126,600 to $148,700 and a separate Bay Area range of $88,600 to $133,800. These are the figures as printed; the Bay Area range being lower is unusual, so confirm the range for your location with the recruiter. Full-time roles also get equity and benefits.
How to apply
Apply through the official PsiQuantum job posting. PsiQuantum’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 13 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.
See all our quantum technology jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: PsiQuantum
Official advertisement: www.psiquantum.com
How to prepare for this application
- Show your lab work: describe a photonic chip you measured, the setup, and what the data told the designers.
- Automation: bring a Python measurement framework you wrote, ideally on GitHub.
- Interferometers: revise MZI extinction ratio, phase-shifter calibration and coupler splitting ratio measurements.
- Scale: think about how testing changes when a system has thousands of components.
About PsiQuantum
PsiQuantum, founded in 2016, is building a large, fault-tolerant quantum computer on silicon photonics, with chips made in commercial semiconductor fabs such as GlobalFoundries. It has announced government-backed builds of utility-scale machines in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, USA.
