PSI Quantum
Senior Software Engineer, Control & Calibration
PSI Quantum, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94306
Overview
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 world-changing applications. We aim to build a system with roughly 1 million qubits that supports fault tolerant error correction within a scalable architecture and a data center footprint. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics and leverages high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, existing cryogenic cooling systems, and industry-standard fiber connectivity. By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today\'s most powerful supercomputers, with potential impact across climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and more. 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. These projects are backed by nations that understand quantum computing\'s potential impact and the need to scale this technology. We will build both hardware and fault-tolerant quantum applications that provide industry-transforming results. PsiQuantum seeks exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey. Job Summary: The Control Software & OS Core Team works closely with engineers and scientists in electronics, system architecture, and validation teams. The team is responsible for building the scalable, distributed, fault-tolerant control plane and operating system for utility-scale photonic quantum computers. This role focuses on orchestration, scheduling, kernel architecture, co-design, calibration, validation, abstractions, systems, and operating software for the heterogeneous fabric of co-processors, networks, and photonics that are critical to building the world\'s first useful quantum computer. As a
Senior Software Engineer, Calibration & Control , you will design and implement calibration algorithms, controls, and software that keep quantum processors in specification 24/7/365.
Responsibilities
Architect and implement calibration and adaptive control software in
Rust
(no-std + async),
C++20 , and
Python
targeting x86, GPUs, DPUs, and embedded MCUs. Design closed-loop optimization algorithms (e.g., Bayesian, stochastic gradient descent, ADAM) that maximize system performance and stability under drift and environmental noise. Integrate with high-speed fabrics:
libfabric ,
RDMA (RoCEv2/GDR) , and FPGA PCIe DMA endpoints. Build scalable simulation/emulation harnesses (Python, Rust, cuQuantum) to de-risk algorithms before system bring-up. Implement hooks for observability metrics, traces, SLOs, and partner with sibling teams to integrate into observability infrastructure. Collaborate daily with physics, validation, firmware, and FPGA teams to co-design HW/SW interfaces and define calibration priorities. Conduct rigorous code reviews, design reviews, and root-cause analyses; uphold a standard of deterministic, safety-critical code. Experience/Qualifications
5+ years professional software engineering; 3+ years in feedback-control, calibration, robotics, or analogous real-time domains. Fluency in Python or Julia, particularly in scientific computing, AI/ML, or signal processing. Fluency in
Rust
and/or
C++17+ ; comfortable writing lock-free, wait-free, and numerically stable code paths. Proven track record delivering production systems with real-time or ultra-low-latency requirements. Hands-on experience interfacing with hardware over PCIe, Ethernet, or custom serial buses; able to read schematics and timing diagrams. Working knowledge of Linux internals (irq, cgroups, NUMA, hugepages) and high-performance networking stacks. Strong foundation in one or more: quantum information processing, artificial intelligence, robotics, control theory, optimization, signal processing, or experimental physics. B.S. in CS, EE, Physics, or related discipline (or equivalent practical experience). Ways to Stand Out
M.S./Ph.D. focused on numerical optimization, control systems, photonics, computer science, or quantum information. Experience accelerating numerical Python workflows using Mojo, Jax, PyTorch, or similar. Experience with sub-nanosecond clock-sync protocols. Familiarity with
FEC
and/or
QEC
concepts, stabilizer circuits, fusion-based architectures, or tensor-network simulation. On-device ML for adaptive calibration (Gaussian processes, RL bandits). GPU / CUDA-accelerated numerical kernels (cuBLAS/cuFFT/cuQuantum) and/or GPU-Direct RDMA pipelines. Contributions to open-source control or scientific-computing projects. EEO
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. Compensation
The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One range is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, education and training, competencies, experience, location, and business needs. Base pay is one part of total compensation; full-time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay may be modified in the future. U.S. Base Pay Range:
$156,000
–
$180,000
USD Bay Area Pay Range:
$185,000
–
$205,000
USD
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 world-changing applications. We aim to build a system with roughly 1 million qubits that supports fault tolerant error correction within a scalable architecture and a data center footprint. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics and leverages high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, existing cryogenic cooling systems, and industry-standard fiber connectivity. By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today\'s most powerful supercomputers, with potential impact across climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and more. 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. These projects are backed by nations that understand quantum computing\'s potential impact and the need to scale this technology. We will build both hardware and fault-tolerant quantum applications that provide industry-transforming results. PsiQuantum seeks exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey. Job Summary: The Control Software & OS Core Team works closely with engineers and scientists in electronics, system architecture, and validation teams. The team is responsible for building the scalable, distributed, fault-tolerant control plane and operating system for utility-scale photonic quantum computers. This role focuses on orchestration, scheduling, kernel architecture, co-design, calibration, validation, abstractions, systems, and operating software for the heterogeneous fabric of co-processors, networks, and photonics that are critical to building the world\'s first useful quantum computer. As a
Senior Software Engineer, Calibration & Control , you will design and implement calibration algorithms, controls, and software that keep quantum processors in specification 24/7/365.
Responsibilities
Architect and implement calibration and adaptive control software in
Rust
(no-std + async),
C++20 , and
Python
targeting x86, GPUs, DPUs, and embedded MCUs. Design closed-loop optimization algorithms (e.g., Bayesian, stochastic gradient descent, ADAM) that maximize system performance and stability under drift and environmental noise. Integrate with high-speed fabrics:
libfabric ,
RDMA (RoCEv2/GDR) , and FPGA PCIe DMA endpoints. Build scalable simulation/emulation harnesses (Python, Rust, cuQuantum) to de-risk algorithms before system bring-up. Implement hooks for observability metrics, traces, SLOs, and partner with sibling teams to integrate into observability infrastructure. Collaborate daily with physics, validation, firmware, and FPGA teams to co-design HW/SW interfaces and define calibration priorities. Conduct rigorous code reviews, design reviews, and root-cause analyses; uphold a standard of deterministic, safety-critical code. Experience/Qualifications
5+ years professional software engineering; 3+ years in feedback-control, calibration, robotics, or analogous real-time domains. Fluency in Python or Julia, particularly in scientific computing, AI/ML, or signal processing. Fluency in
Rust
and/or
C++17+ ; comfortable writing lock-free, wait-free, and numerically stable code paths. Proven track record delivering production systems with real-time or ultra-low-latency requirements. Hands-on experience interfacing with hardware over PCIe, Ethernet, or custom serial buses; able to read schematics and timing diagrams. Working knowledge of Linux internals (irq, cgroups, NUMA, hugepages) and high-performance networking stacks. Strong foundation in one or more: quantum information processing, artificial intelligence, robotics, control theory, optimization, signal processing, or experimental physics. B.S. in CS, EE, Physics, or related discipline (or equivalent practical experience). Ways to Stand Out
M.S./Ph.D. focused on numerical optimization, control systems, photonics, computer science, or quantum information. Experience accelerating numerical Python workflows using Mojo, Jax, PyTorch, or similar. Experience with sub-nanosecond clock-sync protocols. Familiarity with
FEC
and/or
QEC
concepts, stabilizer circuits, fusion-based architectures, or tensor-network simulation. On-device ML for adaptive calibration (Gaussian processes, RL bandits). GPU / CUDA-accelerated numerical kernels (cuBLAS/cuFFT/cuQuantum) and/or GPU-Direct RDMA pipelines. Contributions to open-source control or scientific-computing projects. EEO
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. Compensation
The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One range is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, education and training, competencies, experience, location, and business needs. Base pay is one part of total compensation; full-time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay may be modified in the future. U.S. Base Pay Range:
$156,000
–
$180,000
USD Bay Area Pay Range:
$185,000
–
$205,000
USD
#J-18808-Ljbffr