R&D Engineer

We believe quantum computing will change everything. It will have the power to transform the foundations of giant industries that rely on intensive computation. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the world's first useful quantum computer, capable of delivering these transformative results. We know that means it will need 1 million qubits, error correction, a scalable architecture and a data center footprint.

By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today's most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more.

PsiQuantum is uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing years earlier than our competitors. Our architecture is based on photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components using existing high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are today producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. Since photons don't feel heat, we can take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems, the kind that have been operating at facilities like the Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC). And because photons are in fact light, they can move between subsystems at tremendous speed using standard fiber connectivity.

Our team is building a utility scale quantum computer and the software tools needed to build fault tolerant quantum applications. We’re a highly motivated and collaborative group focused on a singular goal - building the world’s first useful quantum computer on the fastest path possible. There’s much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey!

Job Summary: We are seeking an individual with a broad range of practical skills and experience across some/all of our technology areas which include mechanical, vacuum, electrical, electronics, controls, optics and/or cryogenics. We are willing to train the right candidate in any areas they have less experience, so please apply if you are keen to learn and excited about our mission. This role will be based at our UK site in Daresbury; however, we expect this individual will travel approximately 40% of their time outside the UK as required.

Responsibilities:

• Electro-Optic experiment assembly.
• Quality Control checks and data logging.
• Develop and execute best practice procedures.
• Operation of lab equipment including cryostats, vacuum pumps, hand tools etc.
• Equipment repair and maintenance.
• Fault finding in lab hardware (in the UK and worldwide).
• Plan maintenance and upgrades of core test equipment to ensure maximum up-time.
• Supervision of apprentices and contractors.

Experience/Qualifications:

• HNC, HND or Degree qualified.
• At least 5 years practical experience in a similar role within a scientific or advanced engineering environment.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience operating complex equipment manually and via control software.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with various teams and external stakeholders.
• Problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identify and resolve potential issues.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously as well as taking initiative.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Electronics assembly.
• Vacuum equipment assembly and test.
• Experience building and operating cryogenic equipment.
• Safe handling of cryogenic liquids.
• Ability to solder to a high standard.
• General Mechanical fitting and fabrication.
• Proficient in the use of computer software for hardware debug and data logging.
• Experience in setting up computer/hardware networks.
• Experience working on international projects involving travel to remote locations for install/maintenance.