Principal Engineer, Optics Engineering

Photonic is looking for an experienced Optics Engineer to provide technical leadership for the design and engineering of optical sub-systems that advance Photonic's quantum computing roadmap.

In this role, you will collaborate across science and engineering teams to move optical sub-system designs from prototype into reliable and manufacturable solutions. Your responsibilities include technical leadership to drive the design, build, and test roadmap of sub-systems containing precision optical sources, single-photon fiber networks, and telemetry for in-system diagnostics in the O-band regime, while ensuring cross-functional alignment of sub-system specifications to the requirements.

This role will advance Photonic's capabilities in collaboration with strategic suppliers, covering new components, designs, and test and manufacturing methods.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced, research-driven environment excited by the challenges of strengthening Photonic's product development methodologies.

Please include a cover letter with your resume (in one file) describing how you would be a great fit at Photonic and what attributes you could bring to our growing team.

• Define optical design and validation flows (tools, methods, testing)
• Lead the specification and modeling of the optical link architecture
• Define and execute roadmap to deliver fiber-based electro-optical assemblies and sub-systems, leveraging state of the art photonic technologies
• Track and meet technical and programmatic requirements (i.e. performance, stability, reliability, noise/environmental sensitivity, uptime, space, cost, schedule, etc.)
• Identify new component technologies and drive innovations where needed to execute roadmap
• Drive delivery cadence in alignment with Photonic's integrated photonics and quantum systems teams
• Define telemetry and control schemes to monitor and optimize optical parameters that are critical to Photonic's quantum system performance requirements

• Master's or Doctoral degree in Optics, Engineering or Engineering Physics
• Over 15 years of industry experience in sectors such as telecommunications and data centers
• Proven track record of driving innovation in optical solutions, leading to successful market adoption
• Experience with development of fiber-based C- or O-band systems from pathfinding through to volume production
• Experience with test instruments and procedures, and data analysis for characterizing optical performance
• Proficient with optical design, modeling, and data analysis software
• Sustained track record in driving innovation in fiber-based optics with results in market adoption
• Experience in following a project lifecycle, delivering new products on cadence, including requirements, designs, build and test flows
• Expertise in roadmap definition with stakeholder and supply chain alignment
• Leadership on design methodology for optical engineering
• Experience in driving cross-functional collaboration and alignment
• Excellent technical leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

An exceptional candidate will bring:

• Familiarity with intellectual property development and technology commercialization
• Experience in a high-growth or startup environment
• Proficient with Python or other scripting languages
• Familiarity with CAD/modeling tools (ex. Solidworks, Lumerical, Altium)

• Get involved with a quantum startup company set to redefine computing
• Work closely with some of the brightest innovators in quantum technologies
• Enjoy a fast-paced and fun environment where you can try new things while solving innovative challenges every day
• Inclusive company culture
• Competitive salary, benefits (including life insurance, extended health, dental, long term disability, and a flexible spending account), and potential upside

The description above is what we think an ideal candidate would look like for this role. At Photonic, we understand that everyone has a different work and life journey. If you feel your experience is close to what we've described, but you might not meet all the requirements, please still apply All roles listed are for current vacancies. While artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist in reviewing applicant profiles, they do not determine candidate outcomes. Our hiring decisions are made by people, not algorithms. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage our employees' differences, knowing that these very differences inspire innovation and build better teams. If there are any accommodations our team can make throughout our hiring process, please let us know.

Based in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, Photonic is at the forefront of designing next-generation quantum technologies in silicon. Photonic's breakthrough results with silicon have upended many conventional assumptions in quantum computing. With record-setting qubit performance, telecom networking, and silicon's manufacturing scale, Photonic's silicon spin qubits materialize solutions for previously intractable problems –and unlock solutions for tomorrow's problem sets.