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 Airbus, 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 now have the funding, the government validation, and the sites under construction to make it real.
Job Summary
Quantum computing promises to solve many important problems that could never be solved on any conventional computer. At PsiQuantum, we’re building a general-purpose silicon photonic quantum computer to tackle these very problems.
We are looking for an energetic, highly motivated Photonic Layout Engineer who will be responsible for the design, layout, and verification of photonic integrated circuits (PIC) for foundry fabrication.
You will in a high pace environment, working across hardware and design enablement teams to translate photonic designs and process requirements into manufacturable layouts. The role combines hands-on PIC layout with python-based or commercial-based layout tools (GDSFactory, Synopsys, Candence Photonics, etc) with verification and automation.
Responsibilities
Prepare and maintain photonic layouts from individual components to complex circuits, using passive and active components.
Drive foundry tapeouts from implementing layouts to physical verification, including design rule checking (DRC), layout versus schematic (LVS), fill, and density checks.
Develop and maintain layout infrastructure and automation tools that improve layout quality and workflow efficiency.
Contribute to PDK development by implementing and validating layout components and design rules.
Prepare clear, complete documentation and handoff materials for tapeouts.
Experience/Qualifications
Education
Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent in Electrical, Computer Engineering, Material Science, Physics.
Experience
2 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics and layout.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Experience creating layouts for photonic integrated circuits and understanding how photonic components and circuits map to physical layout.
Experience with one or more photonic layout tools, such as GDSFactory, Synopsys, Cadence, or similar.
Strong Python programming skills, including experience scripts for layout generation, automation or numerical analysis.
Experience with collaborative code management tools such as Git.
Experience with silicon photonic manufacturing processes, foundry design rules, and tapeout workflows.
Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, time zones.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and detail oriented problem-solving skills.
[Open to other levels of experience]
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.
Base pay is one part of the total compensation package. Full-time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Our compensation ranges reflect the cost of labor across multiple U.S. geographic markets, and we pay based on defined geographic zones. This position may be filled within one of the following U.S. geographic zones, each with its own salary range.
Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's 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 Los Angeles and Washington DC
Zone 3 - Examples include Austin, Chicago, and Sacramento
Zone 4 - Examples include Nashville and Phoenix/Tempe and many remote 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 range for this role is
Zone 1
$139,800—$164,300 USD
Zone 2
$125,900—$147,900 USD
Zone 3
$111,800—$131,400 USD
Zone 4
$97,900—$115,000 USD
