Intern, Optical Packaging & Characterization

Job Description

Job Title: Intern, Optical Packaging and Characterization Engineer. Location: Milpitas, California, United States

Responsibilities:

• Assist with optical microscopy setup, imaging, and consistent capture of measurement images and associated metadata.
• Support image processing workflows, including contrast adjustment, image alignment, and feature extraction, using Python or similar tools.
• Convert image-processing and measurement results into clear tables and simple plots.
• Help draft and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for optical measurement and related processes.
• Organize experimental data and maintain accurate laboratory notes;
• Support design-of-experiments summaries for the engineering team.
• Participate in continuous improvements to documentation, data organization, and measurement repeatability.
• Support optical packaging and characterization experiments under the supervision of engineers.
• Assist with surface metrology and related optical measurement activities.
• Contribute to optical measurement methods involving alignment, beam matching, alignment sensitivity, and basic measurement metrics.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Coursework or practical experience with optical microscopy, including imaging modes, resolution, illumination, and basic alignment.
• Strong attention to detail;
• Clear written communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively in a laboratory environment.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with JMP or similar statistical software for data exploration, visualization, or basic design-of-experiments analysis.
• Experience with image processing.
• Experience using Python for data handling, scripting, or analysis.
• Familiarity with mechanical bow, wafer warpage, or substrate warpage concepts and their measurement context.
• Interest or prior exposure to optical measurement methods, including optical alignment, beam matching, alignment sensitivity, and basic measurement metrics.

Benefits and Compensation:

PsiQuantum provides the following U.S. intern hourly pay rates based on education level:

• Bachelor's degree in process: $27.50/hour
• Bachelor's degree: $31.00/hour
• Master's, first year: $36.00/hour
• Master's degree: $40.00/hour
• PhD in process: $44.00/hour
• PhD near completion: $47.00/hour
• Housing or commuter stipend is available, with the amount varying based on the candidate's permanent residency location.

Other Information:

• The position supports PsiQuantum's silicon-photonics-based approach to building large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers.
• The intern will work under engineering supervision and support optical packaging, microscopy, surface metrology, characterization, and measurement-data workflows.
• Applicants must complete the company's application process, including education, work authorization, sponsorship, LinkedIn profile, and other required information.
• The application requires the word "purple" to be included in the submitted cover letter.
• PsiQuantum states that it will only contact candidates through an official PsiQuantum email address and will not request bank account information during the interview process.
• PsiQuantum is an equal employment opportunity employer.
• PsiQuantum is not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
• Candidates can create a job alert to receive notifications about future opportunities.