Optical Packaging & Assembly Engineer
Optical Packaging & Assembly Engineer

Optical Packaging & Assembly Engineer

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
PsiQuantum

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and prototype next-gen optical packaging solutions for quantum computing.
  • Company: Join PsiQuantum, a leader in quantum computing innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for rapid career growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking team shaping the future of technology.
  • Qualifications: PhD in Physics or Engineering with hands-on optical assembly experience.

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 building the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer, enabled by large-scale photonic integration. We are seeking an Optical Packaging & Assembly Engineer to join our UK R&D facility at Daresbury Laboratory. In this role, you will work closely with a senior engineer to rapidly develop and prototype next-generation optical packaging solutions for photonic integrated circuits (PICs). You will collaborate across mechanical, electronic, and quantum hardware teams to enable the assembly and testing of cutting-edge optical quantum computing systems.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the design and rapid prototyping of optical packaging solutions for PIC-based quantum hardware.
  • Develop and implement fibre-to-chip alignment and attachment processes for high-performance optical coupling.
  • Assist in the design of scalable packaging architectures, working alongside senior engineers.
  • Collaborate with mechanical and electronic engineers to ensure integrated, manufacturable designs.
  • Work closely with quantum physicists to support the build and testing of optical quantum systems.
  • Contribute to the development of assembly workflows, processes, and documentation.
  • Support component selection, procurement, and BOM development for prototype builds.
  • Analyse experimental results and provide feedback to improve packaging performance and robustness.

Experience/Qualifications:

  • PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
  • Hands-on experience with optical assembly, fibre alignment, or opto-mechanical systems.
  • Familiarity with photonic integrated circuits and optical packaging techniques.
  • Experience working in a laboratory environment supporting experimental hardware development.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced R&D setting.

Desired Skills:

  • Experience with fibre arrays, optical connectors, or precision alignment systems.
  • Knowledge of DFM principles for optical packaging.
  • Experience working in cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Familiarity with optical measurement and characterization techniques.

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

Optical Packaging & Assembly Engineer employer: PsiQuantum

At PsiQuantum, we are at the forefront of quantum computing innovation, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and creativity. Our UK R&D facility in Daresbury provides employees with unique opportunities to engage in groundbreaking projects alongside leading experts in the field, while our commitment to professional development ensures that you can grow your skills and career in this rapidly evolving industry. Join us to be part of a mission that not only aims to revolutionise technology but also positively impacts various foundational industries.
PsiQuantum

Contact Detail:

PsiQuantum Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Optical Packaging & Assembly Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the quantum computing field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got hands-on experience with optical assembly or photonic integrated circuits, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring along a portfolio of your work or projects to showcase your expertise when you meet potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of quantum systems and optical packaging techniques. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with PsiQuantum’s mission. We want to see your passion for the field and how you can contribute to our groundbreaking work!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to 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 our team at PsiQuantum. Let’s make quantum computing a reality together!

We think you need these skills to ace Optical Packaging & Assembly Engineer

Optical Assembly
Fibre Alignment
Opto-Mechanical Systems
Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)
Optical Packaging Techniques
Experimental Hardware Development
Problem-Solving Skills
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
Optical Measurement Techniques
Prototype Development
Assembly Workflows
Component Selection
Documentation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Optical Packaging & Assembly Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in optical assembly and photonic integrated circuits, so we can see how you fit into our mission.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about quantum computing and how your skills align with our goals. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this is your chance to stand out!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in fast-paced R&D settings. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at PsiQuantum

✨Know Your Quantum Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quantum computing and photonic integrated circuits. Understand the basics of how they work and be ready to discuss their applications in real-world scenarios. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also passionate about the field.

✨Show Off Your Hands-On Experience

Be prepared to talk about your hands-on experience with optical assembly and fibre alignment. Bring examples of past projects or challenges you've faced in a lab environment. This will help demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for this role.

✨Collaboration is Key

Since you'll be working closely with mechanical and electronic engineers, highlight any previous experience you've had in cross-functional teams. Share specific examples of how you’ve collaborated effectively to achieve project goals, as teamwork is essential in this fast-paced R&D setting.

✨Ask Smart Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about PsiQuantum's projects and future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the company and the role. You might ask about their current challenges in optical packaging or how they envision the integration of new technologies in their systems.

Optical Packaging & Assembly Engineer
PsiQuantum

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