R&D Engineer – Thin Film Materials

Job Description

Job Title: R&D Engineer – Thin Film Materials. Location: Palo Alto, California, United States

Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize superconducting thin films using deposition tools at internal and external facilities.
• Perform material characterization using XRD, AFM, SEM, TEM, SIMS, and STEM/EELS.
• Conduct electrical measurements at room temperature and under cryogenic conditions.
• Analyze relationships between material properties and device performance.
• Identify reliable material indicators that predict SNSPD behavior;
• Document experimental processes, results, and conclusions clearly.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to the team.
• Collaborate with external vendors and partners for deposition and testing.
• Track wafer progress and provide regular project updates.

Qualifications:

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• 4+ years of direct experience in thin film growth and metrology.
• Experience with deposition techniques such as PVD, CVD, or MBE.
• Strong understanding of thin film characterization and metrology;
• Experience growing superconducting materials.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as Python, Excel, or JMP.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with microfabrication and cleanroom environments.
• Experience with STEM/EELS for advanced materials characterization.
• Understanding of superconducting or nanoscale device physics.
• Experience with electrical characterization at low temperatures;
• Experience developing new measurement or characterization methods.
• Experience improving test setups, automation, or data workflows.
• Ability to connect material behavior to device performance.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Competitive health coverage for employees and dependents.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Equity grants.
• 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.
• Some benefits have eligibility requirements and may vary by location, role, or employment status.
• Many benefits are subsidized or fully paid by the company.

Salary:

• Zone 1, Bay Area and NYC: $123,700 - $145,300 USD annually.
• Zone 2, including Los Angeles and Washington DC: $111,300 - $130,800 USD annually.
• Zone 3, including Austin, Chicago, and Sacramento: $98,900 - $116,200 USD annually.
• Zone 4, including Nashville, Phoenix/Tempe, and many remote locations: $86,600 - $101,700 USD annually.
• Palo Alto falls within Zone 1, so the applicable listed range is $123,700 - $145,300 USD annually.
• Actual compensation depends on qualifications, education, training, experience, location, business needs, and internal equity.
• Full-time roles are eligible for equity and benefits.

Application Information:

• Applicants must submit a resume/CV and cover letter.
• The application asks whether employment visa sponsorship will be required.
• Applicants must confirm legal authorization to work in the country.
• Applicants must provide a LinkedIn profile;
• The cover letter must include the word "purple."
• The application includes voluntary self-identification questions regarding gender, race/ethnicity, veteran status, and disability status.
• PsiQuantum states that it provides equal employment opportunity.
• PsiQuantum will only contact candidates using an official PsiQuantum email address and will not request bank account information during the interview process.
• The company is not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.