Director, Hardware Systems

Photonic is building first-of-their-kind quantum computing capabilities at the intersection of photonics, silicon spin qubits, and large-scale technical integration.

As Director, Hardware Systems, you will lead the organization responsible for the mechanical systems, cryogenic sample space, and precision assemblies that transform Photonic's quantum integrated circuits into operating quantum modules. These systems operate in demanding environments including cryogenic temperatures, high magnetic fields, and highly constrained optical and electrical interfaces.

This role combines technical leadership, organizational development, and execution. You will build and scale a multidisciplinary team spanning mechanical and cryogenic engineering, establish strong engineering processes and design rigor, and partner closely with hardware, integrated photonics, systems, software, and research teams to deliver increasingly integrated and manufacturable quantum computing platforms.

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

• Build and lead the Hardware Systems team, establishing strong technical leadership, engineering excellence, and clear accountability for delivery.
• Own the design and delivery of the cryogenic sample space, including chip mount assemblies, thermal management systems, optical and electrical interfaces, magnetic field subsystems, and related precision hardware.
• Own the mechanical systems and assemblies that package Photonic's quantum integrated circuits into operating quantum modules.
• Define and manage requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies between mechanical, cryogenic, optical, electrical, and systems engineering teams.
• Partner closely with hardware, integrated photonics, systems, software, and research teams to ensure successful subsystem integration and system-level performance.
• Establish and maintain rigorous engineering practices and standards including requirements management, analysis, simulation, design reviews, trade studies, FMEA, testing, verification, and documentation.
• Lead external development and manufacturing partners to deliver complex hardware systems and assemblies.
• Collaborate with test, assembly, and integration teams to improve manufacturability, system readiness, yield learning, and overall product performance.
• Drive design-for-manufacturing, design-for-test, reliability, maintainability, and scalability considerations throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Strengthen execution through effective planning, risk management, resource allocation, make-versus-buy decisions, and proactive removal of technical and organizational barriers.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering organization, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Leverage modern engineering tools, design automation, and AI-enabled workflows to improve engineering productivity, engineering quality, and decision making.

WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering leadership experience in precision mechanical systems, advanced hardware development, semiconductors, scientific instrumentation, cryogenic systems, or similarly complex technology environments
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams delivering complex hardware products or platforms
• Strong technical credibility across precision mechanical design, complex assemblies, thermal systems, and systems integration
• Experience leading engineering teams responsible for systems operating in demanding environments such as cryogenic temperatures, vacuum systems, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, scientific instrumentation, or similarly complex applications
• Strong systems-thinking capability with experience defining requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies across multiple engineering disciplines
• Experience establishing rigorous engineering processes including simulation, prototyping, testing, documentation, design reviews, risk assessment, and issue tracking
• Proven ability to hire, mentor, and develop high-performing technical teams
• Strong operational mindset, able to translate ambitious technical objectives into executable plans with clear ownership and milestones
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

AN EXCEPTIONAL CANDIDATE WILL BRING

• Experience in quantum computing, photonics, semiconductors, scientific instrumentation, aerospace, or similarly complex deep-tech environments
• Experience leading teams that include cryogenic, thermal, vacuum, precision optics, RF, or other highly specialized engineering disciplines
• Familiarity with cryostats, cryogenic systems, thermal management, vacuum systems, or precision optical and electrical integration
• Experience managing external development, manufacturing, or supply chain partners
• Experience scaling hardware organizations from technology development through manufacturing and productization
• Experience delivering against government-funded programs or advanced technology development milestones
• Familiarity with intellectual property development, technology transfer, or commercialization activities
• Experience in a high-growth or startup environment

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.