Senior Digital System Architect

Location: Palo Alto, California, USA

Responsibilities: Gather and translate high-level requirements into detailed hardware requirements. Design and implement low-latency algorithms and methods for time-critical tasks in the data plane of an optical quantum computer. Work with digital design experts to integrate algorithms into FPGAs. Collaborate with physicists and digital designers to evaluate design choices and optimize system performance. Ensure designs meet latency, throughput, and hardware footprint requirements. Write technical requirements and documentation. Develop cycle-accurate Python models for integration into discrete-time event simulations. Implement corresponding SystemVerilog designs that match the Python models. Write behavioral tests in Python to verify implementations.

Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline. At least 5 years of relevant experience in digital design. Knowledge of SystemVerilog or VHDL for hardware design and simulation. Experience working with FPGAs and associated development tools. Strong Python programming skills and the ability to write clear, maintainable code. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to solve complex problems with creative and analytical approaches. Ability to work independently with limited supervision. Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across departments and time zones. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred: Experience with distributed systems, including event correlation from multiple sources under real-time constraints. Experience with High-Level Synthesis (HLS) tools, such as Xilinx Vitis. Experience with Python-based hardware verification tools, such as Cocotb. Knowledge of photonics and linear optics.

Benefits and Compensation: Annual base salary depends on the geographic zone: Zone 1 (Bay Area and NYC): $176,500–$207,400.Zone 2 (Los Angeles and Washington, DC): $158,900–$186,700; Zone 3 (Austin, Chicago, and Sacramento): $141,200–$165,900.Zone 4 (Nashville, Phoenix/Tempe, and many remote locations): $123,600–$145,200.

Additional benefits include: Competitive health coverage for employees and dependents.401(k) retirement plan with company matching. Company equity grants. Financial wellness tools and planning resources. Wellness benefits and family support programs. Life and disability insurance. Paid leave programs and company-designated holidays. Discretionary time off (DTO).End-of-year company shutdown. Some benefits may depend on location, role, or employment status. Many are subsidized or fully paid by the company.

Other Information: Work location: Palo Alto, California.

Work environment: Multi-technology and cross-functional engineering environment. Application requirement: Candidates must include the word "purple" in their cover letter. Application documents: Resume/CV and cover letter are required.

Visa sponsorship: The application asks candidates whether they require current or future employment visa sponsorship. Recruitment security: PsiQuantum only contacts candidates through official company email addresses and never requests bank account information during interviews. Recruitment agencies: Unsolicited resumes from employment agencies are not accepted.