Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical… at PsiQuantum · Daresbury

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: We are seeking a Senior Photonics Engineer to develop ultra-low-loss optical interface solutions between dissimilar, exploratory, waveguiding platforms. This role combines device concept development, optical simulation, and hands-on experimental validation to assess and mature new approaches for mode conversion and coupling. The successful candidate will combine creativity in photonic device design with strong engineering judgement, identifying solutions that are both high-performing and practical to deploy. Working closely with internal teams and expert external partners, they will help guide the development of advanced optical interfaces. We welcome applicants from both advanced industrial photonics environments and leading research groups who combine strong physical intuition with practical experimental and engineering judgement. Responsibilities: Develop and assess novel device concepts for ultra-low-loss optical coupling and mode conversion between dissimilar optical platforms. Use simulation and analytical tools to study optical propagation, modal behaviour, overlap, loss mechanisms, and sensitivity to design and fabrication tolerances. Apply tools such as BeamPROP, FDTD, or equivalent methods to evaluate candidate device concepts and guide design decisions. Design and execute experiments to validate device performance, coupling efficiency, mode conversion behaviour, and optical loss. Correlate modelling and experimental results to refine concepts, test assumptions, and build confidence in technical feasibility. Evaluate candidate solutions with consideration for robustness, manufacturability, packaging, and practical implementation constraints. Work closely with expert external partners to review technical options, assess results, and help mature promising device approaches. Collaborate across photonics, systems, and experimental teams to develop practical optical interface solutions for demanding applications Experience/Qualifications: Required PhD degree in photonics, optics, physics, engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience. Significant experience in photonic device development, guided-wave optics, optical coupling, or integrated optical interface design. Strong understanding of mode conversion, mode control, and optical coupling between dissimilar waveguiding or photonic platforms. Experience with simulation tools such as BeamPROP, FDTD, eigenmode, BPM, or related methods for analysing propagation, modal behaviour, and coupling performance. Proven ability to use simulation to guide device design choices and interpret behaviour in complex optical interfaces. Hands-on experience designing and executing experiments to characterize optical coupling, insertion loss, and device performance. Strong experimental judgement and ability to troubleshoot complex photonic or optical measurements. Ability to assess technical feasibility while keeping practical implementation constraints in view. Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with internal teams and external technical partners Preferred Experience developing low-loss optical interface devices between fibre, waveguide, or integrated photonic platforms. Experience with advanced optical packaging, taper-based transitions, or coupling structures. Experience with optimisation methods or inverse design for photonic structures. Experience taking photonic device concepts from early-stage exploration through experimental proof of concept. Experience balancing innovation, performance, and manufacturability in photonic device development. Experience in advanced industrial photonics environments or high performing applied research groups. 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 £64,000—£76,500 GBP