Quantum Computing Engineer Freelance Jobs in Arizona

Job Title: Senior Engineer, Photonics Device Development

Location: Tempe, AZ

Division: Technology

Department: PIC Engineering

About Us

Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. QCi products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The Company’s portfolio of core technology and products offers unique capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security, as well as remote sensing applications.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineer to design, develop, and validate integrated photonic devices on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) and related platforms in direct support of QCi’s internal quantum photonic device development. This role spans the full device lifecycle — device design, fabrication process development, packaging, and test — taking concepts through to validated, scalable prototypes that meet the demanding performance requirements of our quantum systems. The successful candidate will work hands-on across the cleanroom and optical lab while collaborating closely with internal fabrication and test teams.

Key Responsibilities

Device Design & Simulation

• Design, simulate, and optimize photonic components — such as waveguides, edge couplers, modulators, and nonlinear interaction structures — on TFLN platforms to meet the requirements of QCi’s internal quantum applications.

• Develop coupling, mode-engineering, and nonlinear interaction strategies to meet loss, bandwidth, and conversion-efficiency targets across the wavelengths of interest.

• Use industry-standard simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, Tidy3D, MATLAB, Python) for design and verification.

• Generate mask layouts using the in-house PDK and tools such as KLayout and GDSfactory.

Process Development & Fabrication

• Develop and optimize full cleanroom fabrication process flows — including lithography, etching, planarization, and the specialized steps required to realize nonlinear functionality — in collaboration with foundry partners and/or in-house facilities.

• Implement design-for-manufacturing (DFM) practices to improve yield, repeatability, and scalability.

• Correlate process parameters (e.g., surface roughness, pattern and process fidelity) to device performance to guide process refinement.

Testing & Characterization

• Build and operate optical test setups to characterize coupling loss, propagation loss, and multi-wavelength device performance.

• Develop test methodologies and metrics that link device-level measurements to system-level requirements.

• Analyze each fabrication run, identify failure modes, and feed findings back into the next design and process iteration.

Collaboration

• Work with the fabrication team to mature and transfer the PDK to foundry.

• Partner with the internal packaging team to define device-level requirements for fiber coupling, integration, and assembly.

• Partner with the test team to analyze fab runs and drive design–process–test iteration cycles.

• Translate device-level innovations into scalable platform capabilities aligned with QCi’s internal quantum product roadmap.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or master’s degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Materials Science, or a related field.

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in photonic device design and development.

• Proven track record of taking photonic devices from concept through fabricated, characterized prototypes.

• Strong knowledge of waveguide theory, coupling mechanisms, and integrated photonic device physics.

• Hands-on experience with semiconductor/photonic fabrication processes (full cleanroom flow or foundry MPW programs).

• Proficiency in simulation and layout tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, Tidy3D, MATLAB, Python, KLayout).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with TFLN photonics and integrated device platforms.

• Experience in quantum photonic systems or related applications.

• Familiarity with broadband edge coupling and multi-wavelength integration.

• Experience in yield improvement, process control, and manufacturability optimization.

Key Attributes

• Strategic thinker able to balance near-term deliverables with long-term technology vision.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to influence across teams.

• Passion for innovation and pushing the limits of photonic technology.

Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.