Quantum Architect - Linear Optics

Quantum computing holds the promise of humanity’s mastery over the natural world, but only if we can build a real quantum computer. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the first real, useful quantum computers, capable of delivering the world-changing applications that the technology has long promised.  We know that means we will need to build a system with roughly 1 million qubits that supports fault tolerant error correction within 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 has determined the fastest path to delivering a useful quantum computer, years earlier than the rest of the industry. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components at Tier-1 semiconductor fabs such as GlobalFoundries where we leverage high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are already producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. We also benefit from the quantum mechanics reality that photons don’t feel heat or electromagnetic interference, allowing us to take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems and industry standard fiber connectivity.

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced two government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first Quantum Data Centers and utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia and Chicago, Illinois. Both projects are backed by nations that understand quantum computing’s potential impact and the need to scale this technology to unlock that potential. And we won’t just be building the hardware, but also the fault tolerant quantum applications that will provide industry-transforming results.

Quantum computing is not just an evolution of the decades-old advancement in compute power. It provides the key to mastering our future, not merely discovering it. The potential is enormous, and we have the plan to make it real. Come join us.

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

Job Summary:

Quantum architects drive research and development of photonic quantum computing architectures, from entanglement generation through to encoded logic and error correction. Quantum architects in the Linear Optics group work primarily on quantum optical primitives for generating, measuring and routing photonic entanglement, working closely with engineers to implement and simulate these approaches to evaluate their performance. This development is highly integrated with the full architecture development, from optical architecture to algorithms and applications.

Candidates should have a strong background in quantum computing, with experience in some of the following areas: linear optical quantum computing, error modelling, quantum information of photonic states and optical switching networks. Competence in programming using Python (or similar) and experience with collaborative software development is desirable.  

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop new quantum optical protocols for generating, measuring & distributing entangled states.
• Model the origin and propagation of errors.  
• Simulating and benchmarking different protocols. 
• Co-develop the architecture in collaboration with the wider team, communicating results.  

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 quantum information.
• Knowledge of quantum information and quantum optics required. Familiarity with linear optical quantum computing, error modelling, quantum networks, quantum graph states, quantum error-correcting codes, graphical calculus (e.g., tensor networks, ZX calculus) strongly 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.
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