Senior Characterization and Test Engineer

The role

The Senior Characterization & Test Engineer will support the evaluation, characterization, and validation of photonic devices, packages, and subsystems. This role involves executing electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical tests and analyzing data to support product development and reliability.

What you will do

• Execute electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical characterization of photonic devices, packages, and assemblies.
• Develop and perform test plans to support product development, process validation, reliability testing, and failure analysis activities.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including optical measurement systems, vibrometers, thermal imaging systems, and mechanical testers.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to identify performance trends and engineering insights.
• Support Design of Experiments (DOE) planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Assist in root-cause investigations by performing characterization and supporting failure analysis activities.
• Develop automated test scripts and data analysis tools using Python or similar programming languages.
• Generate clear technical reports and communicate results to cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to the development of new characterization methods, test fixtures, and laboratory capabilities.
• Support qualification and reliability testing activities, including thermal, mechanical, and environmental stress testing.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in Mechanical engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in engineering characterization, testing, laboratory operations, or product development.
• Hands-on experience operating characterization equipment including Infrared Thermography, Laser Doppler Vibrometers (LDV), Instron Universal Mechanical Testers, and C-Mode Scanning Acoustic Microscopy
• Experience analyzing thermal, mechanical, vibration, and package integrity data to support product development, reliability, and failure analysis activities.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Basic understanding of optics, photonics, electronics, semiconductor devices, or advanced packaging technologies.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, JMP, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis methods.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with photonic devices, optoelectronics, semiconductor packaging, or advanced manufacturing.
• Familiarity with optical alignment, imaging systems, or optical characterization techniques.
• Experience with automation, scripting, and test development.
• Exposure to reliability testing or failure analysis methodologies.

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)
• end-of-year company shutdown

About the company

PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers using an architecture based on silicon photonics. The company is building utility-scale quantum computers in locations including Brisbane, Australia and Chicago.