Staff Quantum Engineer (Qubit System Performance)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 2, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 25, 2026.
As Staff Quantum Engineer - Performance at Photonic, you are a leader on the spin-photon qubit development team where you will play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of qubit architectures. Leveraging your deep technical skills in quantum engineering, curiosity, and synthetic thinking, you will make technical decisions quickly while keeping a view of the broader context to accelerate learning and derisking, and to generate system requirements for execution by other teams.In this position, you will collaborate closely with high-performing teams of product engineers, with expertise spanning from device physics to classical computer architecture and compilers. You thrive on the excitement of mastering new technology and reducing science to practice, while bringing your significant hands-on expertise, open mind, and creativity to tackle key challenges as we build the world’s first truly scalable quantum computing system.
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.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Drive T centre qubits to the highest possible quality at scale by:
- Designing and executing rapid technical derisking projects in the context of complex, novel, multivariate problems to iterate quickly towards solutions
- Leading the feedback loop with the Photonic nanofabrication, hardware, software, and modelling teams to accelerate progress
- Collecting high quality data efficiently that answers fundamental technical questions and pushes performance metrics
- Creating multiple layers of backup plans for execution and alternative paths to success
- Synthesizing data and models into actionable system requirements
- Training, guiding, and mentoring current and new team members as a technical leader
ABOUT YOU
- PhD in Experimental Quantum Information, Physics, Engineering, or related field
- Exceptional experimental & technical instincts and judgement
- 5+ years of professorial, and/or industry experience in physics, quantum computing and/or quantum engineering at the highest levels of impact
- Deep familiarity with one or more quantum computing platforms (e.g. ion traps, neutral atoms, defect centres, solid-state spins, superconducting qubits)
- Experience driving multi-qubit systems at high fidelity
- Ability to be flexible and adapt to new situations in rapidly changing R&D environment
- Demonstrated ability to creatively solve engineering and physics problems
- Outstanding teamwork skills
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
- Ability to relocate and work on site within the greater Vancouver, BC, Canada area (work permit support can be provided)
WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH US
- Work closely with some of the brightest innovators in quantum technologies to drive breakthroughs that redefine computing
- Enjoy a fast-paced and fun environment where you can try new things while solving innovative challenges every day
- Inclusive company culture that values collaboration
- Regular social events and fun activities keep our global team connected
- Competitive compensation package including base salary, stock options, and relocation assistance for global talent
- Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, life, long term disability, an employee assistance program, parental leave top-ups, and a flexible spending account
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.