Experimental Physicist II (Quantum Annealing or Qubit Coherence) [530]

D-Wave; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 123,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

D-Wave is seeking an Experimental Physicist to join the Processor Development team in Burnaby. You will work with a multi-disciplinary group to develop and optimize superconducting quantum processors, calibrate devices, and model real-world performance, contributing to new device concepts and environmental studies.

The role emphasizes independent experimentation, software-driven analysis, and collaboration across engineering, cryogenics, and applications teams, with opportunities to advance

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in physics or related discipline, or equivalent experimental research experience.
• Strong critical thinking and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn new topics quickly and effectively.
• Strong software development experience related to experimental design and automation, data acquisition, and data analysis.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work on interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills for summarizing results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute experimental procedures to quantify and operate superconducting devices.
• Propose and design parametric improvements for processor performance.
• Develop theoretical models and simulations of experimental results.
• Create analysis routines to fit models to data and detect outliers.
• Document results for the processor development team.
• Contribute to LISP software infrastructure for modeling and calibration.
• Collaborate with internal teams including marketing, IP, apps development and engineering.

Skills

Critical thinking

Independent research

Collaboration

Communication

Adaptability

Programming

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

Ph.D. or M.Sc. in physics

Tools

LISP

Automation software

Job description

D-Wave (NYSE: QBTS), D-Wave 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.

You can read more about our company and our innovations in the pages of The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Fast Company, MIT Technology Review, Forbes, Inc.Magazine, Wired and across many white papers.

At D-Wave, we’re helping customers realize the value of quantum computing today and are shaping the quantum-driven industrial and societal advancements of tomorrow.

About The Role

We are looking for a creative, energetic, and self-motivated Experimental Physicist to join our Processor Development (PD) team. The PD team is composed of experienced and talented superconducting circuit designers, fabrication engineers, software developers and physicists who work together to create the processors at the heart of our quantum computer and are constantly pushing the boundaries of the technology of the future.

In this challenging and exciting position, you will work with a multi-disciplinary team and regularly communicate and collaborate with other processor development scientists, device designers, engineers, cryogenic experts and applications developers.

You will work in one or more of the following areas:

• Characterizing and calibrating our superconducting quantum processors
• Modeling, assessing and improving real-world performance of our quantum processors
• Characterizing, understanding and reducing noise in superconducting circuits
• Parametric design of novel devices and/or device enhancements to improve processor performance or enable new capabilities
• Assessing and understanding the impact of the processor’s environment, including packaging, IO, electronics and cryogenic elements, and developing models and approaches to improve it

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute experimental procedures to quantify, understand, and operate a wide range of superconducting devices
• Come up with new ideas to improve processor operation or performance and develop parametric designs to implement them
• Develop theoretical models and simulations to represent and understand experimental results on physical devices
• Develop analysis routines to fit theoretical models to data and to detect outlier behavior in large complex systems of superconducting devices
• Regularly and clearly document experimental results for the broader processor development team
• Create and contribute to LISP software infrastructure for modeling, calibrating and operating processors
• Communicate and collaborate with other internal teams at D-Wave including marketing, intellectual property, applications development and engineering

Required

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in physics or a related discipline, or equivalent experimental research experience
• Strong critical thinking and technical problem-solving skills
• Skill in independent research and evidence of deep understanding in your area of expertise
• An ability to come up to speed in new technical topics quickly and effectively
• Strong software development experience related to experimental design and automation, data acquisition, and data analysis; and a willingness to learn new programming languages and software concepts as needed
• A collaborative mindset and a demonstrated ability to work effectively on an interdisciplinary team, on a wide variety of problems
• Excellent communication skills and experience with summarizing experimental results for a broad audience
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities in a time-sensitive environment
• Exceptional candidates will have a solid background in one or more of the following: quantum information, digital or analog superconducting devices, device physics, noise models and characterization

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

123,000 - 169,000 CAD per year (Burnaby)