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PsiQuantum

Senior Thermal Mechanical Engineer

PsiQuantum, Palo Alto, CA, United States


We believe quantum computing will change everything. It will have the power to transform the foundations of giant industries that rely on intensive computation. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the world’s first useful quantum computer, capable of delivering these transformative results. We know that means it will need 1 million qubits, error correction, a scalable architecture and a data center footprint.

By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today’s most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more.

PsiQuantum is uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing years earlier than our competitors. Our architecture is based on photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components using existing high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are today producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. Since photons don’t feel heat, we can take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems, the kind that have been operating at facilities like the Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC). And because photons are in fact light, they can move between subsystems at tremendous speed using standard fiber connectivity.

Our team is building a utility scale quantum computer and the software tools needed to build fault tolerant quantum applications. We’re a highly motivated and collaborative group focused on a singular goal - building the world’s first useful quantum computer on the fastest path possible.

There’s much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey!

Job Summary:

The cryogenic engineering department is hiring a mechanical design engineer who will be heavily involved in the thermal mechanical simulation and design for the quantum computer. This position will interact with multiple teams internally and suppliers externally.

Responsibilities:

  • The Thermal Mechanical Engineer focuses primarily on the highly integrated electronic optical assembly to support quantum computer.
  • Applying knowledge of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and structural mechanics to the development of optical electronics assembly under cryogenic condition.
  • Develop methodologies for chip power modeling and measurement, characterization of power features, correlate chip behavior with simulations and provide design feedback.
  • Analyzing field issues related to electronic optical assembly design and providing solutions where required.
  • General design activities such as requirements management, materials and component selection, Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and tolerance analyses.
  • Assisting and/or directing vendors to develop necessary manufacture process.
  • Actively participating in cross functional project teams through all phases of product development to ensure successful execution of innovative and best-in-class designs.

Experience/Qualifications:

  • B.Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or Physics.
  • Software tools – Mathcad, Matlab, IcePak, ANSYS Workbench, Fluent, SpaceClaim, Solidworks, NX.
  • Demonstrated use of advanced analysis tools to solve thermal/fluid challenges with respect to optical and electronic assembly at the appropriate level of detail – Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
  • Solid understanding of and experience matching thermal models to experiment results.
  • Thoroughly documenting design inputs and outputs.
  • Ability to adapt changes and handle multiple assignments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Skills/Experience

  • Experience with multiple material performance, design constraints, and manufacture constraints under cryogenics condition.
  • Knowledge of common optical system specifications and optical component specifications.
  • Experience in feeding thermal model results into structural models to determine optical component movements/deformations (STOP analysis).
  • Exposure to CPU/GPU/SoC architecture and HW-SW co-design is a plus.

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 range below reflects the minimum and maximum target range for new hire base salary across all US locations. Actual compensation may vary outside of this range 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.

For a fully qualified candidate, the expected base pay range is:

Base Pay Range

$130,000—$180,000 USD