Senior Active Photonics Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Active Photonics Engineer. Location: Palo Alto, California, United States

The Senior Active Photonics Engineer will design and develop active photonic components and integrated circuits for PsiQuantum’s quantum computing platform; This role focuses on modeling, simulation, data analysis, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to create high-speed, fault-tolerant photonic devices.

Responsibilities:

• Design, simulate, and optimize integrated photonic devices and circuits for large-scale quantum computing applications.
• Lead photonic tapeouts, including layout design, circuit planning, and coordination with packaging and electronics teams.
• Develop and perform high-volume automated testing for photonic components;
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to improve device and circuit performance.
• Collaborate with engineers across electronics, materials, process, and packaging teams to ensure successful integration of photonic systems.
• Develop new analysis and testing methods to advance component reliability;
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior team members.
• Participate in project planning and ensure alignment with company milestones.

Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of industry experience in integrated photonics and active component design.
• Strong expertise with electro-optic phase shifters, switches, and modulators using materials such as lithium niobate, silicon, or III-V semiconductors.
• Proficiency in simulation tools such as Ansys Lumerical, Tidy3D, COMSOL Multiphysics, or Meep;
• Experience in photonic layout tools (e.g., IPKISS, GDSFactory) and tapeout processes.
• Understanding of RF principles and photonic-electronic interfaces (drivers, TIAs, etc.).
• Skilled in Python and Matlab for modeling and data analysis;
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced startup environment.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Competitive base salary between $150,000–$185,000 USD, with Bay Area range $170,000–$202,000 USD.
• Full-time role with eligibility for equity and comprehensive benefits;
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking quantum hardware that will define the future of computing.
• Collaborative environment with exposure to world-class engineers and researchers.

Additional Information:

• Applicants must include the word “purple” in their cover letter.
• PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate on any protected basis;
• All communication will come from an official PsiQuantum email. The company will never request financial information during the recruitment process.
• Unsolicited resumes from agencies will not be accepted.