Principal Engineer, Optics Engineering

Principal Engineer, Optics Engineering

Department: Hardware Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: British Columbia, Canada

Compensation: 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.

Description

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.

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO

• 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

WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM

• 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)

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.

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