Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces

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.

Requirements

• PhD in photonics, optics, physics, engineering, or related discipline
• Significant experience in photonic device development or guided-wave optics
• Strong understanding of mode conversion and optical coupling
• Proficiency with simulation tools like BeamPROP, FDTD, eigenmode, or BPM
• Hands-on experience designing and executing optical characterization experiments
• Strong experimental judgement and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent communication skills for internal and external collaboration

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with low-loss interfaces between fibre, waveguide, or integrated photonic platforms
• Knowledge of advanced optical packaging or taper-based transitions
• Experience with optimization methods or inverse design for photonic structures
• Proven track record of taking photonic concepts from exploration to proof of concept
• Experience in advanced industrial photonics or high-performing research groups

About the Company

PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers—machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics, leveraging advanced semiconductor manufacturing to scale fault-tolerant quantum systems.