Applied AI Software Engineer

Description

As an Applied AI Software Engineer at Photonic, you will play a key role in identifying and delivering high-impact applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) across our Development and Engineering (D&E) organization. You will work closely with scientists, software engineers, and technical leaders to translate complex technical workflows into practical, trusted, and scalable AI-enabled solutions. In this role, you will help accelerate areas such as automation, technical analysis, knowledge retrieval, and engineering productivity in support of Photonic’s mission to build the world’s first universal scale quantum computer. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who thrives in a highly technical, cross-functional environment and wants to shape how AI is applied in a rigorous and security-conscious setting.

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO

• Identify high-value opportunities to apply AI, ML and DL across Photonic’s technical workflows, with a focus on research, development and engineering.
• Lead engineers through the design, prototyping, development and deployment of AI-enabled tools that support quantum and other technical workflows.
• Prioritize AI initiatives based on technical feasibility, business value, adoption potential, and risk.
• Establish evaluation methods and benchmarks to determine whether AI solutions are accurate, useful, and trustworthy in production settings.
• Partner with scientists, engineers, and technical leaders to understand difficult problems and determine where AI, ML and DL can materially improve outcomes.
• Integrate AI capabilities into existing software platforms, engineering workflows, and technical processes where appropriate.
• Advise technical opportunities, tradeoffs, risks, and outcomes clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Help shape AI standards, governance, and safe usage practices in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
• Mentor teams in the practical use of AI methods, tools, and workflows.

WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM

• Graduate degree in Computer Science or Engineering or Physics with a focus on AI, ML, or DL, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Deep understanding of modern neural network architectures and model families and when each is appropriate for different problem classes.
• 5+ years of experience developing, improving and applying AI/ML/DL models within scientific computing, advanced engineering, semiconductor, quantum, or similar technical environments.
• Experience applying AI/ML/DL models for optimization, search, simulation-driven workflows, or design space exploration (DSE).
• Experience with secure enterprise AI deployment, model evaluation, and AI governance.
• Strong software engineering background with experience designing and delivering production-quality systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in ambiguous, research-heavy, or technically complex environments.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to senior technical talent.
• Outstanding collaboration skills and the ability to build credibility across diverse technical teams.
• Nice to have – experience with any of the following: group algebra, group theory, graph theory, representation theory, quantum error correction, quantum compiling.

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.

Photonic Inc. is a leading quantum technology company developing commercial-scale quantum computers and quantum networks to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in materials science, drug discovery, climate change, and security. The company’s approach unlocks performance at scale through unmatched distributed quantum computing capabilities. Photonic’s high-connectivity Entanglement First™ architecture leverages a unique qubit modality—optically linked silicon spin qubits—to enable powerful computation, efficient error correction, and seamless integration with existing data center and telecom environments. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with operations in the United States and United Kingdom, Photonic’s team is advancing quantum technologies alongside leading investors, partners, and customers worldwide.