Quantum System Validation Team Lead

Quantum System Validation Team Lead
(permanent position, 40 hours 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

We are seeking a senior technical leader with strong expertise in engineering of quantum systems with an emphasis on large-scale experimental validation and reliability engineering. Beyond technical excellence, we are looking for someone capable of building and leading a multidisciplinary validation organization operating at the interface between R&D and large-scale system deployment.

The mission of the Quantum System Validation team is to validate preservation of multimode bosonic logical performance under scaling-induced physical variability and emergent error channels, and to enforce the reliability standards required for deployment-ready quantum computing systems.

More specifically, this individual will define and grow Nord Quantique’s system-level validation strategy, establish reliability engineering discipline across increasingly complex quantum computing systems, and lead the development of scalable validation methodologies supporting future utility-scale architectures.

The role combines quantum system validation, operational robustness engineering, and long-duration reliability qualification of a scaled and integrated system covering cryogenic, control, and software.

Keys responsibilities:

• Define and lead the system-level validation and reliability strategy across successive quantum computer generations
• Build and support a multidisciplinary validation organization spanning quantum validation, operational robustness, and reliability engineering
• Define deployment-readiness criteria, quantitative system acceptance metrics, performance gates, and validation methodologies supporting deployment decisions
• Lead long-duration stability testing and drift characterization campaigns
• Establish FMEA methodologies, qualification procedures, and reliability governance frameworks
• Validate preservation of logical performance under scaling-induced physical variability and emergent error channels
• Oversee validation of hardware–software orchestration, including calibration workflows, boot-up sequencing, and software integration
• Coordinate cross-functional root-cause analysis activities during system bring-up and validation failures

Education and experience requirements:

• PhD in experimental physics, engineering, quantum computing, systems engineering, or a related field
• +5 years of postgraduate experience in quantum technologies, advanced hardware systems, or complex cryogenic system development
• Including 2 years of relevant industry experience
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale experimental or system validation efforts
• Experience building or managing multidisciplinary technical teams
• Strong experience operating at the interface between research and engineering environments

We recognize that expertise can come from a variety of academic or professional paths—not all of which follow conventional trajectories—and we value diversity in that regard.

Sought expertise and knowledge:

• Superconducting quantum computing systems 
• System-level validation and performance qualification 
• Scaling-induced noise and drift mechanisms 
• Reliability engineering and FMEA methodologies 
• Long-duration stability testing 
• Hardware–software orchestration validation 
• Statistical analysis of complex experimental systems 
• Cross-functional technical leadership 
• Advanced level in English, to communicate with international team members 
• Intermediate knowledge of French, an asset

Sought profile:

• Strong engineering and systems-thinking mindset 
• Ability to build and mentor highly technical teams 
• Leadership grounded in collaboration, rigor, and accountability 
• Clear communicator across hardware, software, and research organizations 
• Comfortable operating in fast-evolving technical environments 
• Strong technical judgment and prioritization capability 
• Ability to reconcile performance objectives with scalability and operational constraints 
• Commitment to advancing scalable quantum computing technologies

Nord Quantique is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in its training, workplaces, and activities. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and traditionally marginalized groups.

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.

Salary: $167 000 – $190 000

Vacation: 5 weeks per year

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

Working language: English and/or French (an asset)

Workplace: 

• Head office & labs: Espace Quantique 1, 1950 rue Roy, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 1B7
• Business office: 334-800 rue de Square-Victoria, Montréal, QC, H4Z 1C3