Senior Optical Process Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Optical Process Engineer. Location: Milpitas, California, United States

Responsibilities:

• Develop assembly process flows and build sub-assemblies for quantum computer subsystems incorporating silicon photonics chips, electronics, and PCBAs for both cryogenic and room-temperature vacuum systems.
• Collaborate with sub-assembly design and packaging engineering teams to support system integration and deployment.
• Work with cross-functional teams and suppliers to finalize assembly process flows using Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Quality (DFQ), and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) methodologies;
• Deliver, qualify, and verify manufacturing equipment, tooling, and fixtures with support from the supply chain team.
• Perform process development, capability analysis, validation, and documentation for production readiness.
• Create and release assembly process documentation, work instructions, and control plans while managing engineering change controls.
• Train operations personnel, conduct process audits, and transfer validated manufacturing processes for volume production.
• Develop in-house manufacturing processes and provide technical oversight for contractor manufacturing activities;
• Support technical process improvements and resolve manufacturing challenges throughout product development and production.
• Provide guidance and technical training to technicians supporting the R&D prototype production line.
• Collaborate across engineering, operations, suppliers, and manufacturing teams to ensure high-quality process execution.
• Demonstrate technical leadership while maintaining a safe, collaborative, and high-performance working environment.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience solving complex opto-mechanical assembly process challenges.
• Experience with photonics sub-assembly, semiconductor packaging, inspection equipment, material systems, and assembly processes.
• Hands-on experience with die attach, wire bonding, optical coupling, flip-chip assembly, underfill processes, and related packaging technologies.
• Familiarity with opto-mechanical packaging equipment, supplier management, and quality management systems;
• Experience designing, analyzing, and assembling complex subsystems.
• Experience establishing New Product Introduction (NPI) pilot lines, transferring processes into manufacturing, and supporting production operations.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to provide technical leadership in ambiguous environments.

Preferred:

• Experience with data processing tools such as Python, MATLAB, and JMP.
• Background in opto-mechanical process engineering within semiconductor, datacom, telecom, or optical communications industries.
• Experience bringing products from research and development into high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience managing suppliers and contract manufacturing partners;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring technicians and supporting prototype manufacturing.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Opportunity to contribute to the development of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers based on silicon photonics.
• Work alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams developing next-generation quantum computing technologies.
• Participate in advanced research, process development, and manufacturing scale-up initiatives.
• Professional growth within a fast-paced and innovative quantum technology company.

Other Information:

• Position focuses on silicon photonics process development, semiconductor packaging, and optical subsystem assembly for quantum computing platforms.
• PsiQuantum partners with leading semiconductor manufacturers and global industry organizations to develop utility-scale quantum computers.
• The company provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of protected characteristics;
• Applicants should only expect communication from official PsiQuantum email addresses. The company will never request banking information during the hiring process.
• Unsolicited resumes from employment agencies are not accepted.
• Applicants submitting a cover letter should include the word "purple" as requested in the application instructions.