Senior Epitaxy Engineer

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:

The PsiQuantum Fab Engineering team will jointly develop a switch technology platform working with our development partners. The development efforts will include the development of new materials and the process which meet the requirements of PsiQ's product development plans for a commercially available quantum computer.

The teams' primary responsibilities are the enablement of a new technology or modules in PsiQ's Fab. The team will support in defining process assumptions, process tolerances, wafer acceptance criteria, patterning solutions, tool selection, process development for new structures and materials. Additionally, the team will develop the technology primary in Molecular-Beam Epitaxy (MBE) or Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and analyze in-line data and generate appropriate engineering line controls.

The Senior Epitaxy Engineer will work within PsiQ Fab to develop epitaxial deposition processes of oxide thin films at 300 mm wafer scale. They will be required to work as part of a small team focused on rapid process development and testing. The Epitaxy Engineers will work closely with other team members to design and execute experiments, drive innovations in epitaxial oxide deposition, analyze and review metrology data, consistently working to reduce cycle time, and improve deposition hardware in collaboration with tool vendors.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute epitaxial oxide thin film deposition processes via MBE or PVD.
• Plan and design deposition experiments aimed at improving film quality and performance.
• Deliver 300 mm oxide thin films that meet or exceed pre-determined specifications to customers.
• Regularly monitor particle and trace metal contamination within deposition system and proactively address tool cleanliness issues.
• Analyze and review metrology data with thin film characterization engineers.
• Incorporate feedback from metrology to continually improve film quality with respect to specific performance metrics.
• Work with thin film characterization engineers to continually update, improve and refine metrology protocols.
• Collaborate closely on materials modeling efforts to make data-driven decisions and predictions for process development and improvement.
• Work closely with all stakeholders to continually reduce learning cycle time.
• Work closely with equipment engineers to perform maintenance tasks during service events.
• Provide input to equipment engineers to refine maintenance schedules with the goal of reducing tool downtime.
• Collaborate with tool manufacturers to improve deposition hardware.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Experience/Qualifications:

• PhD degree in condensed matter physics, materials science, or related discipline.
• 5 years working on epitaxial oxide thin film deposition via MBE (including academic experience).
• Experience with a variety of thin film metrology and characterization techniques.
• Proven experience executing collaborative and complex projects.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Oxide MBE thin film growth and process development.
• Reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) experience, including quantitative analysis and RHEED-driven growth processes.
• Thin film metrology, including familiarity with several of the following techniques: X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity, atomic force microscopy, ellipsometry, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), etc.
• Thin film engineering and process development, including familiarity with several of the following techniques: annealing, wafer bonding, etching, strain engineering, etc.
• Familiarity with analytical programming and data analysis (Python, JMP, MATLAB, Mathematica, etc.)
• Proven expertise in experimental automation.
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management.
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, and time zones.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.
• Strong critical thinking, creative, innovative, and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Proven track record of impactful results.
• Self-motivated and resourceful.
• Ability to plan projects and deliver on project goals and milestones in a timely fashion.
• Experience with 300 mm semiconductor processes, including process development techniques and methodologies is a plus.
• Experience with 300mm semiconductor metrology, including SP2/SP3, defect-review SEM, VPD-ICPMS, wafer bow, etc.
• Experience with and strong knowledge of thin film ferroelectric materials.

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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