Cryogenic RF Engineer (Intermediate or Senior) [571]

Clutch Canada; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 104,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

D-Wave Quantum Inc. in Burnaby is seeking an Intermediate or Senior Cryogenic RF Engineer to help design, test, and optimize cryogenic RF hardware for quantum computing platforms.

You will work with scientists and IC designers, model RF performance, select materials for cryogenic PCBs, and coordinate with external vendors for prototypes. The role offers the chance to impact cutting-edge quantum technology and grow technical leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Strong knowledge of RF/microwave engineering and S-parameters.
• Experience with RF test equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes).
• Experience with EM and circuit simulation tools (HFSS, ADS, Altium, QUCS, KiCAD).
• Hands-on prototyping and troubleshooting RF hardware and PCB assemblies.
• Excellent analytical and collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and characterize cryogenic RF networks, including transmission lines, filters, interconnects, and related hardware.
• Model, simulate, analyze, and optimize RF performance using measurement and simulation tools.
• Develop validation plans, perform laboratory testing, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement design improvements.
• Select materials and manufacturing approaches for PCBs, flexible cables, and interconnects operating in cryogenic environments.
• Collaborate with scientists, IC designers, and cross-functional engineering teams to integrate RF systems into quantum computing platforms.
• Partner with external vendors to support prototype development and production activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of RF designs, test methodologies, and engineering processes.

Skills

Cryogenic RF engineering

RF/microwave theory

S-parameters

PCB design

Prototyping

Test & measurement

Programming (Python/C/C++)

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Applied Physics

Tools

HFSS

ADS

Altium

QUCS

KiCAD

Job description

D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NASDAQ: QBTS)

is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services. It is the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, and the first and only to offer dual-platform quantum computing products and services, spanning both annealing and gate-model quantum computing technologies. D-Wave’s mission is to help customers realize the value of quantum today through enterprise-grade systems available on-premises and via its Leap™ quantum cloud service, which offers 99.9% availability and uptime. More than 100 organizations across commercial, government, and research sectors trust D-Wave to address complex computational challenges using quantum computing. Learn more about realizing the value of quantum computing today and how D-Wave is shaping the quantum-driven industrial and societal advancements of tomorrow: www.dwavequantum.com.

About the role

D-Wave is seeking a Cryogenic Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to join our Electrical Engineering team to develop cutting-edge cryogenic RF systems for quantum computing. In this role, you will collaborate with quantum processor scientists, superconducting IC designers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, test, characterize, and optimize cryogenic RF hardware that enables next-generation quantum computers.

Depending on your experience and demonstrated expertise, you will contribute as either an Intermediate or Senior Engineer. The successful candidate will be hired at the level that best aligns with their qualifications, experience, and technical impact.

What you'll do

• Design, develop, test, and characterize cryogenic RF networks, including transmission lines, filters, interconnects, and related hardware.
• Model, simulate, analyze, and optimize RF performance using measurement and simulation tools.
• Develop validation plans, perform laboratory testing, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement design improvements.
• Select materials and manufacturing approaches for PCBs, flexible cables, and interconnects operating in cryogenic environments.
• Collaborate with scientists, IC designers, and cross-functional engineering teams to integrate RF systems into quantum computing platforms.
• Partner with external vendors to support prototype development and production activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of RF designs, test methodologies, and engineering processes.

About you

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field with relevant industry, research, or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of RF/microwave engineering, including passive devices, transmission line theory, S-parameters, and signal integrity.
• Experience with RF test equipment, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, arbitrary waveform generators, and time-domain reflectometers.
• Experience with EM simulation, circuit simulation, and PCB design tools (e.g., HFSS, ADS, Altium, QUCS, KiCAD).
• Hands-on experience prototyping, debugging, and troubleshooting RF hardware and PCB assemblies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills

Bonus qualifications

• Experience with cryogenic systems and low-temperature measurements.
• Knowledge of superconducting materials and superconducting circuit design.
• Understanding of RF noise analysis and modeling.
• Programming experience (Python, Julia, C/C++, or similar).

Level expectations

Intermediate Engineer II

You are developing expertise in cryogenic RF engineering and contribute to the design, testing, and optimization of RF hardware. You independently complete routine work, solve moderately complex technical problems, and contribute to project deliverables while receiving guidance on new or larger initiatives.

• Contribute to the design, testing, characterization, and troubleshooting of cryogenic RF systems.
• Execute defined technical workstreams with moderate independence.
• Analyze technical problems and recommend solutions with support from senior engineers when needed.
• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.
• Continuously expand technical expertise while contributing to process and design improvements.

Senior Engineer

You are an experienced RF engineer who independently leads technical work, solves complex engineering challenges, and influences RF system design. You provide technical leadership across projects while mentoring others and driving continuous improvement.

• Lead the design, development, validation, and optimization of cryogenic RF hardware and subsystems.
• Independently manage projects of moderate complexity and make sound technical decisions within project scope.
• Drive root cause investigations, design improvements, and engineering best practices.
• Collaborate across teams to influence technical direction and system architecture.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical knowledge sharing across the organization.

A D-Waver's DNA

• We look at the future and say “why not”; we see possibilities where others see problems or routines. We show the way ahead and are committed to achieving ambitious goals.
• We practice straight talk and listen generously to each other with empathy. We value different opinions and points of views. We ensure that we connect outside as well as inside to learn from others and inspire each other.
• We hold ourselves accountable for delivering results. We make decisions & take responsibility so that we can act & support each other.
• As leaders we motivate & engage our teams to undertake beyond what they originally thought possible, by developing our teams & creating the conditions for people to grow and empower themselves through enabling & coaching.

Our Compensation Philosophy is Simple but Powerful:

We believe providing D-Wavers with company ownership, competitive pay, and a range of meaningful benefits is the start of creating a culture where people want to give the best they’ve got — not because they’re simply making money, but because they’ve fallen in love with our vision, mission, values, and team.

During the interview process, your Recruiter will review our total rewards (base, equity, bonus, perks, benefit, culture) offerings. The final offer is determined by your proficiencies within this level.

Inclusion:

We celebrate diverse perspectives to drive innovation in our pursuit. Our employees range from distinguished domain experts with decades of experience in their respective fields, to bright and motivated graduates eager to make their mark. Our diverse and innovative team will make you feel appreciated, supported and empower your career growth at D-Wave.

The Fine Print:

No 3rd party candidates will be accepted

It is D-Wave Systems Inc. policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, local law.

The base pay range for this role is:

• Intermediate: 104,000 - 143,000 CAD per year (Burnaby)
• Senior: 133,000 - 183,000 CAD per year (Burnaby)