Photonics Engineer

PsiQuantum • Palo Alto, CA

46d • Hybrid

About The Position

We're seeking an optical design expert who excels at translating complex device physics into clear, actionable technical reports and cross-team collaboration. This role is part of PsiQuantum's photonic circuits team, where you'll work on the photonic ICs that serve as the physical heart of our quantum computing systems. You'll take ownership of analyzing test data from thermal phase shifters across multiple silicon processes, generating comprehensive technical documentation, and serving as a key technical communicator between our design team and broader organization. This role is designed as hybrid, with regular in-person collaboration at one of our offices in Palo Alto, CA, Milpitas, CA, or Arlington, VA, plus the flexibility to work from home 2-3 days per week.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field with 1-4 years of industry experience.
• Strong expertise in thermo-optical design principles, thermal phase shifters, and integrated photonic circuits.
• Demonstrated experience with data analysis and technical reporting, preferably using Python programming and Git/GitLab for version control.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills, with ability to explain complex device physics concepts to diverse technical audiences.
• Experience working with silicon photonics processes and understanding device physics from design files and process documentation.
• Basic understanding of electrical design principles, particularly Joule heating mechanisms in resistive elements.
• Thrives in fast-paced startup environments and enjoys cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving.

Nice To Haves

• Awareness of mechanical design considerations, stress/strain analysis, or experience with suspended micro-scale structures.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex thermo-optical device behavior into actionable insights for product development and design optimization decisions.
• Support design iteration and improvement by identifying performance trends, failure modes, and optimization opportunities from device characterization data.
• Analyze test data from thermo-optical devices and generate comprehensive technical reports summarizing device performance, behavior, and key figures of merit.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for thermo-optical devices, ensuring clear communication across diverse technical audiences.
• Participate in technical discussions with layout engineers, foundry teams, and systems integration groups to ensure seamless handoff of design requirements and performance specifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees