At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and execute experiments for advanced photonic circuits in quantum computing.
- Company: Join PsiQuantum, a leader in building the first useful quantum computers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of quantum technology and make a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field with strong experimental and Python skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.
PsiQuantum’s mission is to build the first useful quantum computers—machines 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 approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry—including partners like GlobalFoundries—we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don’t feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.
In 2024, PsiQuantum announced 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 defining—and that now is the time to scale.
PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies—including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical—to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact. Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift—and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real. Come join us.
Job Summary: PsiQuantum is seeking an Integrated Photonics Engineer to support the characterization and validation of advanced photonic circuits underpinning our quantum computing platform. In this role, you will design and execute experiments to test complex optical circuits, working closely with circuit designers and system engineers. You will play a key role in developing automated experimental workflows and advancing our understanding of integrated photonic devices.
Responsibilities:
- Design and execute experiments to characterize integrated photonic circuits across multiple optical wavelengths.
- Test and analyse devices incorporating components such as directional couplers, interferometers, and EO modulators.
- Develop automated experimental control and data acquisition systems (Python preferred).
- Characterize complex integrated optics-based circuits and interpret experimental results.
- Collaborate with design teams to troubleshoot device performance and improve future iterations.
- Generate detailed reports and documentation for experimental procedures and results.
- Contribute to the development of scalable testing methodologies for large-scale photonic systems.
Experience/Qualifications:
- PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong experimental background in integrated optics and photonic circuit characterization.
- Hands-on experience with key components such as directional couplers, interferometers (MZI/AMZI), and phase shifters.
- Proficiency in Python for experiment automation and data analysis.
- Experience working with complex optical measurement setups.
Desired Skills:
- Industry experience in photonics or semiconductor device testing.
- Familiarity with electro-optic and thermo-optic tuning mechanisms.
- Experience with wafer-scale or high-throughput photonic testing.
- Knowledge of quantum optics or photonic quantum systems.
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 recruiting@psiquantum.com. We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
Daresbury, United Kingdom ÂŁ45,000 - ÂŁ55,000 GBP
Integrated Photonics Engineer employer: PsiQuantum
Contact Detail:
PsiQuantum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Integrated Photonics Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the quantum computing and photonics fields on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, experiments, and any relevant work you've done in integrated photonics. This can really set you apart from other candidates and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research PsiQuantum’s projects and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Practice answering technical questions and think about how you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining PsiQuantum and contributing to the exciting world of quantum computing.
We think you need these skills to ace Integrated Photonics Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Integrated Photonics Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in photonics, circuit design, and any hands-on projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at PsiQuantum!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quantum computing and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about working with integrated photonic circuits.
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant projects, be sure to include them in your application. Whether it's a research project or a personal endeavour, we love seeing practical examples of your work in photonics and circuit testing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you're genuinely interested in joining PsiQuantum!
How to prepare for a job interview at PsiQuantum
✨Know Your Photonics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of integrated optics and photonic circuit characterization. Be ready to discuss specific components like directional couplers and interferometers, as well as your hands-on experience with them. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but also have practical skills.
✨Show Off Your Python Skills
Since proficiency in Python for experiment automation is a must, prepare to talk about your past projects where you've used Python. Bring examples of how you've developed automated experimental control or data acquisition systems. If you can, even demonstrate a small script or two during the interview!
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your troubleshooting abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to improve device performance or interpret complex experimental results. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you collaborated with design teams to overcome challenges.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
PsiQuantum is all about making quantum computing a reality, so it’s crucial to understand how your role fits into this mission. Familiarise yourself with their projects and the impact of quantum computing across various industries. Showing that you’re aligned with their vision will definitely set you apart!