Lab Operations Technician (Polishing)

PsiQuantum•Palo Alto, CA

10d•$63,000 - $72,000

About The Position

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: This position is an hourly position to support Polishing LAB and multiple manufacturing activities related to build and assembly of components and utilize machines in the process. Support build products by assembling parts and components according to engineering specifications. Would require work on a manufacturing line, receiving batches of smaller parts to integrate into a complete product. Perform some repair, alignment or calibration. Will train to operate cryogenic test systems and room temperature. Support lab, cleanroom operations and maintenance activities additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Experience in operating tooling.
Requires minimum supervision.
Able to inspect own work and perform quality assurance and inspect their own work and the work of their team.
Able to follow instruction and provide recommendations and improvements.
Maintain safe work environment.
At least 2 years of related experience in a semiconductor, optical, or R&D test position.
Strong attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, and take initiative to solve problems.
High dexterity working with small components using precision tools and instruments.
Proficiency with MS Office software and Windows/Windows applications.
Physical agility and manual dexterity, specific knowledge of safe material handling (able to lift 50lbs).
Willingness to "wear multiple hats", perform a wide range of different tasks, utilize various tools to support engineering R&D and operational efforts.
Demonstrate excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
High school diploma or 4 years equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Perform material inventory as required.
Able to work overtime and weekend as required.
Support sub-assembly testing.
Install sub-assembly into cryostat.
Cleave and Splice Fiber Opticals Cables.
Utilize hand tools and small parts such as screws, welds and press fits to assemble equipment and connect circuits between individual pieces.
Update MES (manufacturing execution system) by generation transactions for all work completed.
Create and submit a daily pass-down of all activities and results during shift.
Communicate with others when help needed during the shift with manager, other operation team and/or engineering team.
Ability to work independently with limited direction.
Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple priorities.
Demonstrated interest in PsiQ’s mission and vision for quantum computing, with an ability to contribute in a start-up environment consistent with PsiQ’s values of communication, collaboration, respect, results and challenge.
Read and follow manufacturing sub assembly instructions.