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:
The mission of PsiQuantum's Principal Hardware Design Engineer role is to support theElectronics team by owning hardware designs integral to the underlying system of the quantum computer. This engineer will collaborate in cross-functional teams of thermal, mechanical, firmware, optical engineers. The designs will meet the requirements of the overall system architecture and physical framework of the quantum computer.
Responsibilities:
- Design, create schematics, and oversee PCB layout of analog and digital circuitry consisting of but not limited to high-speed transceivers, 10+ Gbps electrical and optical data links, FPGA's, microcontrollers, clock distribution, and power distribution.
- Ensure signal integrity and EMI suppression is accounted for in all designs.
- Design and create test set-ups for testing of electro-optic modules.
- Characterize, optimize, and debug analog, digital, and electro-optic circuitry using equipment such as mixed signal & sampling oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers, signal generators, multimeters, DC power supplies.
- Develop software to drive measurements.
- Analyze data and extract key performance parameters.
- Maintain detailed documentation of hardware designs, test results, and design changes.
- Software tools:
- Orcad Schematic Capture and Allegro PCB Layout
- C++, Python, RTL (VHDL or Verilog)
- Keysight PathWave ADS
- Microsoft Office
Experience/Qualifications:
- 12 years of experience with a Master Degree.
- 8-15 years of experience with a B.S. Degree.
- Results oriented.
- Delivers on commitments.
- Attention to detail.
- Data-driven in decision-making.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, time zones in direct and matrix team environments.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences ranging from senior leadership and technical experts to entry-level staff.
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 [email protected].
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located. 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.
Top Skills
PsiQuantum Palo Alto, California, USA Office
700 Hansen Way, Palo Alto, California , United States, 94304
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene
Key Facts About San Francisco Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
- Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
- Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine



