Contract Quantum Software Engineer Jobs in San Ramon, CA

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:
At PsiQuantum we are developing and testing prototype quantum computer systems with complex software and hardware including integrated photonics, optics, electronics, and cryogenics subsystems. The Quantum Systems Validation team is responsible for characterizing the performance of integrated quantum optical systems and subsystems. The Quantum Systems Validation Engineer is responsible for developing and executing tests to validate the design of these systems, verify their correct functioning.
Responsibilities:

• Design and execute tests to deliver engineering data and validate photonic quantum computer systems performance.
• Work with design teams to develop, define, and document validation objectives and ensure that the system design supports validation requirements.
• Develop calibration, self-test, and control procedures for quantum photonic systems. Develop and document requirements for the software and electronics teams to implement procedures and manage data.
• Analyze, reduce, and deliver experimental data. Work with other engineering teams to ensure that the data informs engineering models for system performance.
• Debug software and hardware and work with other engineering teams to conduct failure analysis and resolve design or manufacturing issues as appropriate.
• Communicate validation outcomes broadly to internal stakeholders and help guide corrective actions.
• Support and provide technical direction to junior quantum validation engineers. Lead and coordinate complex validation activities involving multiple members of the validation team.

Experience/Qualifications:

• M.S. level (Ph. D. preferred) or equivalent experience in Electrical Engineering, experimental Physics, or a related field with significant work experience in industry or academia.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experiments or engineering tests in a cross-functional environment.
• Demonstrated technical leadership in
• Broad technical knowledge with ability to dive deep into technical aspects of our systems including hardware, software, precision measurement, and photonics.
• Software development for instrumentation, controls, and test equipment (python preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with some, or all, of the following preferred:
  • Quantum optics, single photon generation and detection
  • Quantum characterization, verification, and validation
  • Quantum information theory
  • Integrated silicon photonics
  • Mixed-signal, analog, RF electronics design and test
  • Electro-optical device design and test
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, time zones.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction and own responsibility for delivering validation objectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences including senior leadership and technical experts.
• Demonstrated interest in PsiQuantum's mission and vision for quantum computing, with an ability to contribute within a fast-paced start-up environment consistent with PsiQuantum's values of communication, collaboration, respect, results, and challenge.

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.
Base pay is one part of the total compensation package. Full-time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Our compensation ranges reflect the cost of labor across multiple U.S. geographic markets, and we pay based on defined geographic zones. This position may be filled within one of the following U.S. geographic zones, each with its own salary range.
Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's qualifications, relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, business needs, and internal equity. Your recruiter can share more details about the salary range applicable to your location during the hiring process.

• Zone 1 - Bay Area and NYC

• Zone 2 - Examples include Los Angeles and Washington DC

• Zone 3 - Examples include Austin, Chicago, and Sacramento

• Zone 4 - Examples include Nashville and Phoenix/Tempe and many remote locations

This position includes the following benefits: competitive health coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) with company match, equity grants, access to financial wellness tools and planning resources, wellness benefits, family support programs, life and disability insurance, paid leave programs, company-designated paid holidays, discretionary time off (DTO), and an end-of-year company shutdown. Some of these benefits have eligibility requirements and may vary based on location, role, or employment status. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.
The estimated annual base salary range for this role is:
Zone 1
$151,800-$178,400 USD
Zone 2
$136,700-$160,600 USD
Zone 3
$121,500-$142,700 USD
Zone 4
$106,300-$124,900 USD