Principal System Integration Lead (Quantum Hardware)

PsiQuantum'smission 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 approachisbased on silicon photonics. Byleveragingthe 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: photonsdon'tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.In 2024,PsiQuantumannounced 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.PsiQuantumalso 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. Itrepresentsa fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot besolvedany other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clearpathto make it real.Come join us.Job Summary:System Integration Lead will translate quantum system requirements into an implementable, scalable hardware architecture-and then drive cross-functional integration from concept through build, test, and deployment. This role sits at the intersection of quantum system architecture, photonics/electronics hardware, facilities and infrastructure, and system design engineering. You will be a primary technical integrator and communicator who brings clarity, alignment, and execution discipline to a fast-moving environment.Responsibilities:Translate system intent into hardware realityGather inputs from theQuantum System Architectureteam and convert them into animplementable hardware architecture(requirements, interfaces, subsystems, integration plan, verification strategy).Own end-to-endsystem-level requirements decompositioninto subsystem specs (photonics, electronics, thermal, mechanical, controls, firmware/software interfaces, infrastructure).Define and maintain thesystem architecture baselineas designs evolve-managing changes while protecting system integrity.Lead cross-functional integrationCoordinate across internal teams includingfacilities ,photonics ,electronics ,system design engineers ,test/validation ,packaging ,thermal ,mechanical ,reliability , and other technical leads.Engage external stakeholders and vendors/partners as needed to ensure interface compatibility, delivery alignment, and integration readiness.Driveintegration readiness reviews , interface alignment, and subsystem bring-up plans.Own interfaces, trade-offs, and decisionsEstablish and manageICDs (Interface Control Documents) , system block diagrams, integration specifications, and dependency maps.Lead system-leveltrade studiesand decision processes across competing constraints (performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, schedule, facility constraints).Identify integration risks early and own mitigations, contingencies, and escalation paths.Build processes that scaleCreate and continuously improve integration workflows that bring order without slowing innovation (e.g., requirements flow-down, change control, design reviews, configuration management, integration checklists).Establish clear mechanisms forissue tracking ,root-cause analysis ,lessons learned , and repeatable test/validation practices.Help develop an integration culture that balances rigor with startup agility.Communicate clearly and drive alignmentServe as a central communication hub across technical and non-technical stakeholders.Provide concise updates on architecture status, integration risks, schedule impacts, and decision needs.Align teams through clear documentation, structured meetings, and effective stakeholder management.Experience/Qualifications:Education & experienceMS in a relevant engineering field (Electronics, Optics, Photonics, EE/CE, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, etc.) with10+ yearsof industry experience,orPhD in a similar field with6+ yearsof industry experience.Technical backgroundMust have demonstrated experience inelectronic-photonics systems(mixed-domain integration: optical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, controls).Strong understanding of system integration principles: requirements, interfaces, verification, reliability, and integration/test planning.LeadershipPrior experience inlead positions(technical lead, system lead, integration lead, or program-facing technical leadership).Track record of driving cross-functional execution and resolving complex technical dependencies.CommunicationExceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex technical topics into clear decisions and actionable plans.MindsetStrong positive attitude towardchange and uncertainty ; able to adapt quickly and navigate complex decision-making environments.Preferred Qualifications:Background indata-center-scale system integration(large infrastructure, facility constraints, high availability, safety, commissioning, operational readiness).Experience integrating systems that spanfacility + hardware + controls/software , including deployment/commissioning in operational environments.Familiarity with formal systems engineering tools and methods (MBSE, DOORS/Jama, configuration management, structured V&V).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 $195,000—$220,000 USD Bay Area Pay Range $250,000—$260,000 USD