Job Summary:

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.

Role Overview

Define, validate, and integrate device interfaces for photonic/electro-optic systems, with a focus on enabling scalable calibration, automation, monitoring, modelling, and control workflows.

Why is this role unique?

This role shapes how in-house hardware capabilities are exposed and used across the system. It requires actively driving device interfaces from system needs through implementation, validation, and integration, all while working across hardware, firmware, software, system design, and test teams.

What success looks like?

Success in this role means:

• Clear device interface requirements tied to real system use cases.
• Python-accessible interfaces that integrate cleanly through the hardware abstraction layer and control stack.
• Better system bring-up, debugging, and integration confidence.
• Improved system automation by migrating more complex functionality into firmware.

Over time, this work establishes scalable device interface patterns for reliable automation and repeatable, performant calibration workflows.

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.
• 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.

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.

U.S. Base Pay Range

$140,000-$180,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range

$180,000-$210,000 USD