Materials Scientist

Materials Scientist
(permanent position, 40 hour per week)
Contact: (819) 975-4654, [email protected] 

About Nord Quantique

At Nord Quantique, we strive to build impactful technology by relentlessly pushing our understanding of quantum science. We are an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, innovators, builders, and enthusiasts on a mission to make quantum computing a reality. Our quantum processors are designed to reduce errors in quantum computation to facilitate long-term scaling toward fully-fledged quantum computers. We believe it is our responsibility to deliver this transformative technology for the greater good of society.

Located at the heart of the beautiful Eastern Townships region in the province of Quebec, Canada, we develop our technology in the vibrant quantum ecosystem of Sherbrooke. Leaning on more than a decade of vertical integration of quantum hardware, we are leveraging a comprehensive pool of quantum technology and micro-electronic infrastructure to deploy our quantum computing technology.

Our current needs

As we scale the size of our quantum processors and supporting infrastructure, we are seeking a resourceful and driven Materials Scientist to join our Mechanical Design & Manufacturing Team. In this role, you will directly contribute to improving processor performance by championing the R&D effort focused on identifying and implementing fabrication techniques while ensuring high yield and reproducibility of our SRF cavities.

Your mission will be to develop the in-house fabrication and in-line characterization strategy to systematically improve cavity performance. To achieve this, you will design and manage experiments to identify the key drivers of cavity performance and variability, including planning experiments, defining controls and success metrics, analyzing results, and iterating based on data. Your work will span materials selection, fabrication methods, surface treatments, and post-machining processes, with the goal of improving Q-factor as well as intra- and inter-batch consistency.

A core responsibility of this role is translating experimental insights into scalable manufacturing improvements. You will define appropriate in-line characterization approaches, conduct trade studies across tools and techniques, and collaborate closely with internal teams (Quantum Hardware, EM Design, Nanofabrication) and external partners (DevTeQ) to execute experiments efficiently and move successful processes into production.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead experimental R&D efforts to improve 3D cavity performance, quality, yield, and reproducibility, directly impacting quantum processor performance.
  
• Design, manage, and execute rigorous experimental programs to identify drivers of cavity performance and variability.
  
• Develop and refine materials and process strategies across fabrication, surface treatments, and post-machining workflows to improve Q-factor and intra-/inter-batch consistency.
  
• Translate experimental insights into scalable improvements by defining in-line characterization, conducting trade studies, and collaborating closely with internal teams (Quantum Hardware, EM Design, Nanofabrication) and external partners (DevTeQ).
• Identify and setup associated infrastructure facilities required for surface post-processing for different materials.

This is a dynamic role within a fast-paced, research-driven environment, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to the advancement of scalable quantum hardware.

Education and experience requirements:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Engineering Physics or a closely related discipline.
• 4+ years hands-on experience developing and optimizing process improvement.
• Proven project management experience leading or coordinating fabrication efforts in an academic and/or industrial setting.

Sought expertise and knowledge:

• Strong foundation in materials science, preferably in developing SRF cavities, with practical experience applying this knowledge to real-world fabrication, surface treatments, or process development challenges.
  
• Proven ability to perform root cause and failure analysis to identify drivers of performance variability and translate findings into process improvement.
  
• Experience developing clear, robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enable repeatable and scalable manufacturing processes.
  
• Hands-on experience with in-line and materials characterization techniques is highly desirable (e.g., optical/confocal microscopy, AFM, SEM, surface roughness measurements, elemental analysis).
  

Sought profile:

• Great sense of autonomy and dependability
  
• Willingness to learn and explore new concepts
  
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and partner facilities.
  
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills focused on achieving company objectives
  
• Team-oriented mindset with a focus on cooperation and knowledge sharing within the team

Working at Nord Quantique

At Nord Quantique, you will be part of something special: working in a highly dynamic environment at the forefront of quantum technology development while benefiting from a vibrant ecosystem located at the heart of the Quantum Innovation Zone of the picturesque city of Sherbrooke. Our interdisciplinary team is laser-focused on solving grand challenges and making quantum computing a reality.

Nord Quantique is an equal-opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals can fulfill their aspirations while being supported and heard. This also means that we offer flexible work schedules and adapt our methods for the well-being of every individual.

Moving to Nord Quantique

Nord Quantique offers extensive moving support, including help with immigration paperwork, with finding a place to live, with access to childcare and schools, even helping your partner to find a new job. We offer a relocation compensation package and competitive salaries.

Benefits: Group insurance (including dental care), virtual care, lifestyle spending account (all available after 3 months of service)

Salary: $114,500-$135,500

Working language: English required. French is a plus.

Workplace: Espace Quantique 1, 1950 rue Roy, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 1B7