Senior Instrument and Control Engineer
$160k - $180k USD
PsiQuantum’s mission is to build the first useful quantum computers—machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems.
Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.
Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry—including partners like GlobalFoundries—we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don’t feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.
In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining—and that now is the time to scale.
PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies—including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical—to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.
Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift—and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real.
Come join us.
Job Summary:
The Cryogenic Engineering Department is seeking an Instrument and Control Engineer who will play a key role in designing the cryogenic system for the quantum computer. This position will interact with multiple teams internally and suppliers externally.
Responsibilities:
- Develop cryogenic process controls execution strategies in conjunction with the overall project development team.
- Lead in P&ID (piping & Instrumentation diagram) development, operability, and hazard reviews.
- Identify and manage process controls, technical risk items, and process safety analysis (HAZOP).
- Author, check or approve specifications of process control equipment, including control valves, relief valves, flow measurement devices, process instrumentation, analytical systems, and DCS (distributed control system), PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition systems).
- Participate in Control System Design reviews.
- Participate in FAT, SAT, commission of Process Automation equipment.
- Review SIL (Safety Integrity Level) assessments and author SIL verifications.
- Participate in preparing cost estimates for valves, instrumentation, analytical equipment, DCS equipment, SIS equipment, and labor.
- Participate in Cryostats and Cryoplant commissioning
Experience/Qualifications:
- B.Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.
- 5-10+ years of experience applying engineering principles to solve complex problems related to thermal/fluid systems, power plant, LNG plant, superconducting undulator, Synchrotron Radiation, and/or cryogenics.
- Practical working knowledge of controls and instrumentation for cryogenic equipment and liquid helium processing, and experience in troubleshooting and maintaining cryogenic C&I equipment and systems.
- Experience integrating Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software for Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) development, and embedded instrumentation and control applications in a process plant environment.
- Direct working experience with PLC-based industry control systems.
- Ability to provide technical leadership in ambiguous situations.
- Able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the design and implementation of control and instrumentation systems.
- Demonstrated experience developing and deploying networking interfaces to field equipment using Ethernet, Probus, Profinet, Modbus, RS232, RS485, or other communication protocols.
- Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desired Skills/Experience:
- Programming –Python, PLC.
- Competent in the use of specialized software, including but not limited to PI, Process Book, HYSYS, Unisim, ASPEN Plus and Pro-Treat.
- Extensive experience with control systems related to large pressurized fluid process systems, such as our cryogenic system, steam plants for power generation or ship propulsion, or chemical processing plants.
- Experience with AC power systems and components, compliance with electrical safety standards such as NFPA 70 and UL 508A, and implementing LOTO to protect electrical workers.
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.
The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located. Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
U.S. Base Pay Range
$160,000—$180,000 USD
Bay Area Pay Range
$183,000—$200,000 USD