Staff Design Enablement Engineer

Remote (Albany, NY or Palo Alto, CA preferred)

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:

The PsiQuantum Foundry Engineering team develops a silicon photonics (SiPh) technology platform working with our development partners. The development efforts include the addition of new materials and process modules which meet the requirements of PsiQ’s product development plans for a commercially useful quantum computer.  Unique materials and process modules include a superconducting single photon detector, ultra-low loss waveguides, light scattering mitigation structures (“dark box”) and a non-linear epitaxial metal oxide switch. 

The teams’ primary responsibilities are the enablement of new technology or modules and to provide engineering support working with the foundry. The team helps establishing design rules, design manual, reliability and qualification test vehicles, process assumptions, computational lithography, process tolerances, wafer acceptance criteria, patterning solutions, tool selection, process development for new structures and materials. Additionally, the team analyzes inline data and generates appropriate engineering line controls.

The Design Enablement Engineer will support the development of new silicon photonic and electronic products in a Foundry environment. The Design Enablement Engineer will work on tape-out enablement, design rule creation, DRC checks, design for reliability, waiver review submissions, tape-outs and Process Design Kit (PDK) revisions.

Responsibilities 

• Own the process to add new design rules for photonic die and changes to the design rules for existing mask levels.
• Maintain/write the design manual and respective DRC decks.
• Drive interactions between PsiQ photonic/electronic design and reliability teams and Foundry
• Critically assess the interactions between design layout, technology design-rules and processes.
• Review and assess DRC waivers with design and foundry teams.
• Plan and execute delivery of engineering samples for system builds.
• Engage with quality, reliability and product teams in product qualification and drive debug of any fallouts from technology/process issues.

Experience/Qualifications 

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering or related experience is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in semiconductor or EDA technologies.
• Proven experience executing cross-department complex projects and working with semiconductor leading edge technologies.
• Domain knowledge: strong process knowledge; knowledge of design manual development, design rules and DRC creation; expert in setting up a design manual with a focus on new product technology development; prior experience with reliability and qualification test sites development.
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, time zones.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.
• Strong critical thinking, creative, innovative, analytical, and detail oriented problem-solving skills.
• Highly focused, self-motivated and able to work independently with limited direction.
• Demonstrated ability to juggle multiple priorities and deliver against a schedule.
• Demonstrated interest in quantum computing.
• Ability to contribute in a fast-moving start-up environment.

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 range below reflects the minimum and maximum target range for new hire base salary across all US locations. Actual compensation may vary outside of this range 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.

For a fully qualified candidate, the expected base pay range is: