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Senior Materials Characterization R&D Engineer

PsiQuantum

PsiQuantum

San Jose, CA, USA
Posted on Jan 30, 2025

We believe quantum computing will change everything. It will have the power to transform the foundations of giant industries that rely on intensive computation. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the world’s first useful quantum computer, capable of delivering these transformative results. We know that means it will need 1 million qubits, error correction, a scalable architecture and a data center footprint.

By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today’s most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more.

PsiQuantum is uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing years earlier than our competitors. Our architecture is based on photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components using existing high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are today producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. Since photons don’t feel heat, we can take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems, the kind that have been operating at facilities like the Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC). And because photons are in fact light, they can move between subsystems at tremendous speed using standard fiber connectivity.

Our team is building a utility scale quantum computer and the software tools needed to build fault tolerant quantum applications. We’re a highly motivated and collaborative group focused on a singular goal - building the world’s first useful quantum computer on the fastest path possible.

There’s much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey!

Job Summary:

Psi Quantum is seeking a Senior Materials Characterization R&D Engineer to develop metrology capabilities for materials that are critical for the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer.

The candidate will own development, test, and implementation of optical and electro-optical characterization of crystalline thin film materials. The role requires performing data analysis and providing feedback to material growth and fabrication teams for material improvement as well as establishing correlation to device performance to drive material quality improvement. This position will work closely with processing and device engineers. A successful candidate is expected to have hands-on experience with metrology techniques and domain knowledge of perovskites and electro-optics materials.

Responsibilities:

  • Drive development and implementation of piezo force microscopy for EO materials characterization.
  • Develop and own non-destructive optical based techniques for electro-optic materials.
  • Implement real-time data analysis feedback for materials fabrication and growth development.
  • Correlate materials properties of epitaxial electro-optics films to device performance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams for materials advancement.
  • Work with external equipment vendors/suppliers.

Experience/Qualifications:

  • MS or PhD degree in material science, electrical engineering, physics, or related disciplines.
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience using spectroscopic ellipsometry, piezo force microscopy.
  • 1+ year experience in AFM, SE, Raman.
  • Proficient in programming with Python and automation.
  • Domain knowledge in electro-optic materials is highly desired.
  • In-depth and hands-on experience of metrology techniques for characterization of electro-optic materials.
  • Ability to work onsite and in a fast-paced start-up environment.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

The range below reflects the minimum and maximum target range for new hire base salary across all US locations. Actual compensation may vary outside of this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

For a fully qualified candidate, the expected base pay range is:

Base Pay Range
$150,000$200,000 USD