Senior Quantum Systems Engineer, The Bloch, Chicago Quantum Exchange

University of Chicago•Hyde Park, IL

9d•$145,000 - $175,000

About The Position

The Senior Quantum Systems Engineer at the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), based at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, leads development of software tools for rapid design and assembly of quantum components and devices. The role evaluates machine and robotic assembly and other advanced manufacturing methods, and connects software tools with manufacturing processes to enable a seamless design-to-manufacturing transition. It also contributes to designing a pilot production facility and incorporates testing data and procedures to close the design loop. The position works with engineers, specialists, collaborators, vendors, regional quantum facilities, and Bloch partners. It develops automation and data-collection software, evaluates software and manufacturing capabilities, supports pilot demonstrations, and contributes technical guidance to Bloch leadership and partners. The role may supervise or mentor technical engineers and collaborates with IT partners on cybersecurity and data protection. It creates technical documentation and plans resources to deliver projects on time, to standard, and to budget.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
At least 7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Strong documentation and communication skills for organizing complex information.
Ability to learn new skills and rapidly acquire knowledge by interacting with specialists in other fields.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and operate within an information-security framework.

Nice To Haves

Degree in computer science, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field.
Understanding of automation software engineering, sensor integration, and control systems.
Familiarity or experience with systems software development and testing.
Familiarity with fundamentals of optical and electrical engineering.
Demonstrated experience leading or managing technical teams or projects.
Knowledge of systems engineering, metrology, and control systems.
Proficiency in Python and C++ and software tools for data analysis and modeling, such as MATLAB and LabVIEW.

Responsibilities

Designs, develops, and deploys automation software for real-time control of precision optical systems, coordinating with engineers and specialists.
Analyzes automated and digital manufacturing capabilities regionally and nationwide, and develops a roadmap for rapid manufacturing, assembly, and packaging of selected quantum devices and components.
Builds a software framework to collect data from materials, processing tools, automated assembly, testing, and design algorithms; maps relevant parameters and figures of merit and facilitates statistical analysis.
Tests and evaluates software modules from collaborators and vendors.
Leads and collaborates with optical, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to define software interfaces, evaluate gaps and capabilities, conduct testing and validation, and develop a software development roadmap.
Leads technical discussions and supports Bloch leadership, including reviewing technical proposals for resource usage and analyzing usage data.
Guides and collaborates with technical engineers or consultants to provide technical expertise and advice to Bloch partners.
Coordinates with regional quantum facilities to integrate access procedures for Bloch partners and collaborators.
Provides guidance on defining and prioritizing pilot demonstration projects and leads or assists with implementation as needed.
May supervise and coordinate technical engineers’ work, assign tasks, monitor progress, and ensure alignment with project goals, timelines, and technical standards.
May mentor and provide technical direction and performance-related feedback to technical engineers.
Collaborates with IT and other partners to implement or verify cybersecurity procedures and protect data and software.
Documents findings and analysis and creates software guides.
Recommends process development activities, including drawing board layout and interpretation and implementation of project specifications and documentation requirements.
Conducts engineering studies and assigns work to technical staff.
Plans resources effectively to deliver projects on time, to standard, and to budget.
Performs other related work as needed.