Optical Packaging Engineer
Milpitas, CA - USA
Job Summary
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:
We are seeking a highly motivated Optical Packaging Associate Engineer help drive our hands-on engineering validations build & process development. The Associate Engineer will build fiber-coupled optical packages with photonic chips and work closely with the optical packaging and operations teams.
Responsibilities:
- Support hand-on manufacturing of of fiber-to-chip packaged chip assemblies.
- Support the development optimization and validation of optical packaging and active alignment processes for photonic components and fiber attach assemblies.
- Assist in process characterization activities for optical module packaging including alignment adhesive curing and optical performance evaluation.
- Execute experiments and collect data to improve optical coupling efficiency process stability and assembly yield.
- Support NPI (New Product Introduction) activities by contributing to process development documentation and production readiness.
- Participate in troubleshooting manufacturing and reliability issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Help develop and maintain process documentation including work instructions process flows and control plans.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design manufacturing test and reliability engineering.
- Support equipment setup calibration qualification and maintenance activities for optical assembly processes.
- Work with vendors and internal teams to evaluate materials tooling and process improvements.
- Analyze process and metrology data to identify trends and opportunities for yield and quality improvement.
Experience/Qualifications:
- Bachelors or Masters Degree in Engineering Physics Materials Science or related technical field.
- 13 years of experience in semiconductor packaging photonics optics or advanced manufacturing environments (internships and research experience may be considered).
- Basic understanding of optical alignment fiber optics and optical measurement techniques.
- Exposure to semiconductor assembly precision alignment systems or automated manufacturing equipment.
- Hands-on laboratory or manufacturing experience with precision assemblies and metrology tools.
- Good communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional engineering teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced development environment.
- Familiarity with photonic integrated circuit (PIC) packaging or optical module assembly is a plus.
- Experience with data analysis tools such as Excel JMP MATLAB or Python is beneficial.
- Understanding of statistical process control (SPC) DOE or basic yield analysis concepts is a plus.
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.
Base pay is one part of the total compensation package. Full-time roles are eligible for equity and compensation ranges reflect the cost of labor across multiple U.S. geographicmarkets and we pay based on defined geographic zones. This position may be filled withinone of thefollowingU.S.geographic zones each with its own salary range.
Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent onvarious factorsincluding but not limited to a candidates qualifications relevant education and training competencies experience geographic location business needs and internal equity. Your recruiter can share more details about the salary range applicable to your location during the hiring process.
- Zone 1- Bay Area and NYC
- Zone 2-Examples include LosAngelesandWashington DC
- Zone 3-Examples include Austin Chicagoand Sacramento
- Zone 4-Examples include Nashville and Phoenix/Tempe and manyremote locations
This position includes the following benefits: competitive health coverage for you and your dependents 401(k) with company match equity grants access to financial wellness tools and planning resources wellness benefits family support programs life and disability insurance paid leave programs company-designated paid holidays discretionary time off (DTO) and an end-of-year company shutdown. Some of these benefits have eligibility requirements and may vary based on location role or employment status. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.
The estimated annual base salary rangefor this role is:
Zone 1
$56.01 - $65.82 USD
Zone 2
$50.38 - $59.23 USD
Zone 3
$44.81 - $52.64 USD
Zone 4
$39.18 - $46.06 USD
Required Experience:
IC