Quantum Architect (Design)

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: Quantum architects drive research and development of photonic quantum computing architectures, from entanglement generation through to encoded logic and error correction. A full quantum architecture design is obtained by combining many architectural methods, and by considering the details of how they can be integrated in a compatible manner, including the necessary routing, logic, and more. This design is what is required for the System Architecture and hardware teams to produce a complete specification of the system to be constructed. Candidates in this role will work on the definition of quantum architecture designs, and on the assessment of their performance, interfacing with other quantum architects as well as system architects. Responsibilities: Co-develop a quantum architecture design in collaboration with the broader quantum architecture team, by integrating various architectural methods. Specify the details of a quantum architecture design, including the required routing, logic, and more. Develop Python tools for the performance analysis of a design. Run simulations to assess the performance of design variants. Interface with the system architecture team to understand and incorporate system / hardware requirements as part of the design. Experience/Qualifications: Degree in Physics, Math or Computer Science or equivalent required. PhD in Physics, Math or Computer Science, with a focus on quantum information theory or quantum computation preferred. 3+ years of relevant academic or industry research experience in quantum computing or networking. Strong background in fault-tolerant quantum computing, with experience in some of the following areas strongly preferred: linear optical quantum computing, quantum error correction, quantum networks, error modelling, switching / multiplexing networks, error modelling, graphical calculus (e.g., tensor networks, ZX calculus). Experience working on switching / multiplexing networks preferred. Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, and time zones. Ability to work independently and contribute in fast-moving start-up environment. Experience programming in Python, C++ or similar languages is desirable. Competent use of collaborative software development tools (e.g., GitHub) is desirable. 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 [email protected] . We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. 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 $120,000 — $140,000 USD Bay Area Pay Range $155,000 — $170,000 USD