At PsiQuantum, we are developing prototype modules that will scale into a datacenter-sized, fault-tolerant quantum computer.
These systems depend on photonic and electro-optic devices whose capabilities must be exposed reliably through firmware, Python APIs, hardware abstraction layers, and control software.
This role owns the system-level translation layer between device capabilities and the automation workflows that use them.
The engineer will define device interface requirements, support modelling and control-stack integration, and partner with firmware engineers to migrate performance-sensitive functionality into firmware.
Key Skills for This Role
python
Full Job Posting
Responsibilities:
Device Interface Requirements & System Use Case
Own and drive device interface requirements for photonic/electro-optic devices and related in-house hardware.
Consolidate inputs from device design, calibration, automation, software, firmware, and integration teams.
Translate system-level automation and calibration needs into firmware and control-software requirements.
Develop a strong understanding of calibration workflows to identify required device capabilities, edge cases, sequencing needs, and operational constraints.
Drive ambiguous interface needs to closure by resolving requirements, tradeoffs, and ownership across teams.
Control Stack Integration & Modelling Support
Partner with software engineers to integrate device interfaces through the control stack.
Prototype, debug, and contribute Python code for hardware control, automation, integration, and test workflows.
Define test requirements to ensure device interfaces are exercised correctly during integration and system testing.
Debug issues across firmware, software, and physical devices.
Support modelling efforts that depend on device behavior, capabilities, or control workflow assumptions.
Firmware Migration & Performance Optimization
Identify calibration, automation, or control functionality that should migrate from Python/control software into firmware or lower-level software.
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Develop prototype implementations to guide migration and verification.
Partner with firmware engineers during requirement definition and implementation.
Experience/Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
5+ years of relevant experience in systems engineering, hardware automation, embedded systems, controls, test/integration, scientific software, or a related field.
Strong Python development skills for hardware control, automation, prototyping, debugging, integration, and test development.
Experience working hands on with complex hardware systems spanning firmware, software, and test/integration environments.
Experience translating system-level use cases into clear software, firmware, interface, or test requirements.
Proven ability to drive ambiguous technical requirements to closure across multiple engineering teams.
Strong communication and documentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with photonic, electro-optic, optical, RF, or related hardware systems.
Experience defining or using device APIs, hardware abstraction layers, firmware-exposed interfaces, instrument drivers, or control-system APIs.
Experience with calibration workflows, automated calibration routines, or experimental control systems.
Familiarity with firmware constraints such as latency, determinism, bandwidth limits, sequencing, and real-time behavior.
Experience with system-level modelling, device behavior modelling, or hardware/control interface modelling.
Experience defining integration tests, hardware-in-the-loop tests, or validation plans for device interfaces.
Track record of driving alignment across hardware, firmware, software, and test teams.
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:
About PsiQuantum
Technology
PsiQuantum is developing the world's first commercially useful quantum computer using a photonics-based approach to solve problems beyond the reach of classical systems.
