Manager of Process Engineering

PsiQuantum•Milpitas, CA

22h

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. The Manager/Sr Manager of Process Engineering will manage a team of opto-mechanical process engineers and be responsible for subassembly (SA) development and assembly build, ensuring quality, for RD and volume system integration and deployment at PsiQ QC (quantum computer) sites. 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.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in an applicable engineering discipline, such as Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or Applied Physics.
10+ years of experience applying engineering principles to solve complex opto-mechanical assembly process problems
Experienced with optical and photonics assembly 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; build NPI pilot line, transfer process to operation, and support 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
Strong management skills

Nice To Haves

Experience working within small startups and/or large companies managing opto-mechanical process teams with a proven track record to bring a product to volume (e.g., in datacom, telecom, optical communication industry)
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 interpersonal and communication skills to be able to work with all levels of the organization, from the founders of the company to techs.
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 a safe work environment for everyone

Responsibilities

By working with the packaging engineering team, design and develop assembly process flow, and build subassemblies for QC sub-systems with electronics and silicon photonics chips on PCBAs for both cryogenic and room temperature vacuum systems
By working with cross-functional teams and suppliers, finalize design, and assembly process flow with DFM, DFQ, FMEA tools to meet design targets and requirements by the sub-system team
Deliver and verify equipment, tooling, and fixtures by suppliers with the support of the supply chain; complete process development, and buyoff with process capability analysis and report
Release design document, work instruction, and control plans in the systems with change controls
Train, audit, and release processes and controls to the operation team for volume assembly build
Manage in-house processes with the Operations team, and manage contractor manufacturing for external processes; and be responsible for process technical support
Manage budget, capex, hiring per AOP, including associated assembly tools and machines
Project-managing and deliverable, execution milestone, schedule tracking for internal and external suppliers