VP, Hardware

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

As VP, Hardware Engineering, you will own the strategy, structure, and execution of a deeply multidisciplinary organization spanning hardware controls, mechanical, electrical, optical/photonics, FPGA, RF, and cryogenics. You will align these capabilities into a coherent hardware architecture and drive them toward integrated, production-ready technical outcomes. This role demands urgency, technical depth, and the ability to operate effectively where architecture and requirements are still evolving.

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, structure, and scale a world-class hardware organization across multiple deep technical domains, establishing strong leadership bench and clear accountability
• Drive hardware architecture and roadmap in alignment with critical engineering and science milestones
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, optical/photonics, FPGA, RF, cryogenics, and related disciplines into cohesive, high-performance hardware capabilities
• Establish execution discipline, program rigor, and delivery predictability without slowing innovation or technical exploration
• Partner tightly with engineering, chips, software, and science teams to ensure end-to-end alignment from component development through technical integration
• Make fast, high-quality technical and organizational decisions in an environment with incomplete data and evolving constraints
• Identify and mitigate hardware-level risks early, ensuring readiness for technical integration and build cycles
• Drive buy-build decisions for key components and partner with procurement team to ensure secure supply chain
• Lead the evolution of Photonic's hardware platforms from experimental systems toward scalable, repeatable, and manufacturable architectures

WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM

• Proven experience leading large, multidisciplinary hardware organizations delivering complex, first-of-a-kind hardware platforms
• Track record of shipping integrated hardware platforms in environments where requirements and architecture evolved during development
• Deep technical credibility across multiple domains (mechanical, electrical, optical/photonics, FPGA, RF. cryogenics, or controls), with the ability to drive alignment across experts
• Demonstrated experience delivering complex, system-level products that require integration across multiple engineering disciplines
• Experience building technical leadership teams and developing high-performing engineering organizations through periods of rapid growth and increasing technical complexity
• Strong operational mindset—able to translate ambitious R&D into executable hardware programs with clear milestones and ownership
• Experience using AI/LLM-assisted analytics features (e.g., Copilot, natural-language querying, AI-supported narrative summaries) with an understanding of limitations, validation steps, and data governance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting insights to both technical teams and executives.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple requests with competing deadlines.

AN EXCEPTIONAL CANDIDATE WILL BRING

• Experience in quantum computing, photonics, semiconductors, or similarly complex, high-performance deep-tech environments
• History of building organizations from early stage through scale, including hiring, structuring, and leadership development
• Deep understanding of hardware/software co-design and its impact on performance, scalability, and manufacturability

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.