Quantum Applications Architect (Compilation)

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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:

Quantum applications architects drive research and development of quantum algorithms and lead partnered collaborations on the application of quantum algorithms to real-world computational problems. The applications team is fully focused on algorithms in the fault tolerant regime and is very tightly integrated with quantum architecture development. The scope of the quantum applications team includes development of new quantum algorithms and methods, scoping of use-cases, simulation and analysis of resource requirements, optimization of compiling methods and development of methods for universal fault tolerant logic.

This role is specifically focused on the compilation of quantum algorithms, both in theory and in software. The architect will translate abstract or high-level descriptions of quantum algorithms into explicit constructions, contribute to the instantiation of those constructions in code, analyze their performance using resource estimation and simulation tools, and ultimately optimize the efficiency with which we can run useful quantum algorithms on fault-tolerant hardware.

Responsibilities:

• Research and development of compilation techniques for quantum algorithms tailored for fault-tolerant quantum computers.
• Contribute to the design and development of quantum compilation and simulation tools and/or software.
• Work closely with external partners to instantiate, validate and optimize quantum algorithms for use cases across a variety of domains, such as life sciences or sustainability.
• Simulation and analysis of resource requirements for fault tolerant implementation of quantum algorithms in photonic quantum computing.
• Collaborate with quantum architecture group to co-optimize algorithm methods with architectural design.

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 circuit compilation, quantum algorithms or deployment of quantum computing-related software.
• Experience with quantum algorithms and compiling in the regime of fault tolerant gates preferred.
• Experience working with partners in academia or industry to analyze real-world quantum applications of interest preferred.
• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites and time zones.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to fast-moving start-up environment.
• Experience programming in Python, C++ or similar languages.

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

$125,000—$145,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range

$160,000—$175,000 USD