Principal Optical Systems Engineer

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.

Photonic is looking for an experienced Optics Engineer to provide technical leadership for the design and engineering of solutions to advance Photonic’s quantum computing roadmap.

In this role, you will collaborate with scientists and engineers 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.

This critical role ensures the advancement of Photonic’s capabilities in alignment with strategic suppliers, covering new components, designs, test and manufacturing methods. This position is responsible for defining requirements, ensuring cross-functional alignment in specifications to deliver solutions these requirements. 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.

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO

• Define optical design and validation flow (tools, methods, test)
• Lead specification of optical link architecture to meet requirements (performance, reliability, uptime, stability, space, cost, environmental – thermal, RF noise, etc.)
• Define roadmap to deliver fiber-based electro-optical assemblies and sub-systems, leveraging state of the art photonic technologies to achieve performance, space and cost objectives
• Identify and drive component technologies and innovations to execute roadmap
• Own model for optical link and drive innovation cadence in alignment with Photonic’s integrated photonics and quantum systems teams
• Define telemetry and control schemes to control critical optical parameters to Photonic’s quantum system performance requirements

WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Optics, Engineering Physics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or Physics
• 15+ years of industry experience with sustained track record in driving innovation in telecommunications or data-center optics solutions with results in market adoption
• Disciplined execution to deliver new products on cadence: roadmap, requirements, designs, build and test flows
• Expertise in roadmap definition with stakeholder and supply chain alignment
• Leadership on design methodology for optical engineering
• Experience with development lifecycle for fiber-based C- or O-band systems from pathfinding through to volume production
• Experience in driving cross-functional collaboration and alignment
• Excellent technical leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with intellectual property development and technology commercialization.
• Demonstrated experience in driving innovation.
• Experience in a high-growth or startup environment.

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH US

• 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 base annual salary range for this full-time role is between $156,000 to $215,000. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target range for new hire base salary across all Canadian locations. Actual compensation may vary outside of this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

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! We are also 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.