Photonic Design Automation Engineer

PsiQuantumsmission is to build the first useful quantum computersmachines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016 our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit fault-tolerant quantum systems.

Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy pharmaceuticals finance agriculture transportation materials and other foundational industries.

Our architecture and approachisbased on silicon photonics. Byleveragingthe advanced semiconductor manufacturing industryincluding partners like GlobalFoundrieswe use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photonsdontfeel heat are immune to electromagnetic interference and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

In 2024PsiQuantumannounced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane Australia and Chicago Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically definingand that now is the time to scale.

PsiQuantumalso develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application software and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companiesincluding Lockheed Martin Mercedes-Benz Boehringer Ingelheim and Mitsubishi Chemicalto prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.

Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. Itrepresentsa fundamental shiftand a path to mastering challenges that cannot besolvedany other way. The potential is enormous and we have a clearpathto make it real.

Come join us.

Job Summary:

Quantum computing promises to solve many important problems that could never be solved on any conventional computer. At PsiQuantum were building a general-purpose silicon photonic quantum computer to tackle these very problems.

We are seeking aPhotonic Netlist & Design Automation Engineerto own and scale the layout-to-netlist and multi-physics integration flow for our silicon photonics platform. This role sits at the intersection ofphotonic circuit design CAD infrastructure and electromagnetic (EM) modeling with responsibility for ensuring schematic layout and extracted models remain consistent automatable and simulation ready. You will be the technical owner of netlist generation extraction verification and automation pipelines enabling reliable photonic IC tape-outs.

Responsibilities:

• Key member of the software solutions team responsible for developing and deploying software for test systems product platforms and manufacturing data management.
• Define and maintain the photonic netlist methodology.
• Develop and maintain photonic and electronic LVS flows.
• Generate simulation-ready netlists for circuit/system tools.
• Interface with other teams to deliver PIC netlist artifacts that fit into an overall system design.
• Ensure accurate extraction of parasitics (optical electrical thermal).
• Build CI/CD automation pipelines connecting: Layout tools EM solvers Circuit simulators.
• Develop Python automation for extraction and model generation.
• Implement regression testing for netlist consistency.
• Improve reproducibility of design-to-simulation workflows.
• Collaborate with PDK engineers to maintain model libraries

Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelors or other advanced degrees in Computer Science or related engineering fields.
• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering Applied Physics or related field.
• 6 years experience in: Photonic IC design Analog/mixed-signal CAD/EDA Custom IC flow automation.
• Strong Python scripting skills.
• Experience with layout tool (KLayout Cadence Virtuoso etc.) EM solver (Lumerical FDTD/MODE HFSS CST Tidy3D) Circuit simulator (SPICE INTERCONNECT Caphe PhotonForge).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.
• Strong critical thinking creative innovative analytical and detail-oriented problem-solving skills.
• Proven track record of impactful results.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and juggle multiple priorities and deliver against a schedule.
• Demonstrated interest in quantum computing.
• Ability to contribute to 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 .

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.