Head of Quantum Development

Quantized Technologies; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Job summary

Quantized Technologies is seeking a Head of Quantum Development to lead cross-functional R&D and translate breakthroughs into robust quantum product architectures.

Reporting to the CTO, you will oversee three core teams, guide system-level design, and collaborate with product, operations, and management to deliver scalable quantum networking solutions.

Qualifications

• You hold a PhD with deep expertise in quantum communication, photonics, quantum optics, and networking.
• You can translate high-level science into practical engineering roadmaps.
• You lead teams and set strategic direction across R&D and product.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and align researchers and engineers across sub-disciplines to drive the technology roadmap.
• Translate strategic objectives into experimentally feasible engineering roadmaps.
• Guide system-level architecture for quantum networking and communications.
• Partner with R&D, product management, and operations to create cohesive product frameworks.
• Oversee experimental design, testing, and validation to meet timelines.
• Foster a high-performance R&D culture and scalable collaboration.

Skills

Quantum Networking

System Architecture

Tech Leadership

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Hands-on Lab Experience

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Job description

The next era of computing won’t be built on a single quantum computer – it will be built by connecting them. At QTi, we believe quantum networking is the defining technology that turns isolated quantum devices into world-changing infrastructure.

We are building the future of distributed quantum computing and ultra-secure communications. Our QuEDGE Connect technology enables modular, interconnected quantum processors to scale beyond the limits of single chips, while QuEDGE Repeat lays the groundwork for a long-distance quantum internet. By converging breakthroughs in quantum memory, quantum transduction, entanglement distribution and swapping, photonics, and networking, we translate lab science into real-world commercial engineering. At the same time, we are developing quantum-secure solutions to protect the world’s most critical data during this transition.

Our team operates at the intersection of quantum physics, hardware, embedded systems, and software to tackle challenges on a generational scale. If you want to do the most impactful work of your career and help build the infrastructure that defines the next era of computing, join us.

Why Join QTi?

People are at the heart of deep-tech innovation. We’ve brought together top researchers, engineers, and operational minds to tackle some of the most complex challenges in modern physics and networking. At QTi, you’ll join a highly collaborative, fast-moving culture where your work directly shapes our brand, commercial presence, and industry footprint. We support and count on each other, take ownership of our projects, and solve hard problems together in a dynamic startup environment.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an exceptional, forward-thinking Head of Quantum Development to join our technical leadership team. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), you will serve as the crucial bridge between deep scientific R&D and commercial product realization.

In this internal technical leadership role, you will oversee a cross-functional organization of talented researchers and engineers across three core technical teams. Operating from a "5,000-foot view," you will direct and evaluate ground‑breaking scientific outputs and synthesize them into feasible, system‑level technical roadmaps. Working alongside our Director of Product, you will ensure our breakthroughs in photonics, light‑matter interfaces, and quantum networking are effectively translated from experimental lab physics into cohesive, robust quantum product architectures.

What

• R&D Leadership & Strategy: Lead, mentor, and align an internal team of researchers, physicists, and engineers across multiple technical sub‑disciplines to drive QTi’s core technology roadmap.
• Bridge Science & Feasibility: Translate high‑level strategic objectives and theoretical possibilities into practical, experimentally feasible engineering roadmaps.
• System‑Level Architecture: Guide the development of quantum networking and communication systems from a holistic architecture level, integrating quantum optics, photonics, electronics, and embedded systems hardware, as well as firmware, and software, beyond individual device‑level components.
• Cross‑Functional Synthesis: Partner closely with internal R&D, product management, and operations teams to combine diverse technological outputs into unified, scalable product frameworks.
• Lab & Experimental Oversight: Maintain rigorous oversight of experimental design, testing, and validation protocols, ensuring lab outputs meet commercial quality and timeline requirements.
• Talent Development: Foster a high‑performance, collaborative R&D culture that nurtures top‑tier scientific talent and drives continuous innovation.

Who You Are

• Deep Technical Authority: You hold a PhD in Physics, Quantum Information, Quantum Optics, Quantum Networking, or a closely related field, with deep expertise in quantum communication, photonics, quantum optics, and quantum networking.
• System Architect Mindset: You possess a strong balance of theoretical understanding and hands‑on experimental design experience, with a proven ability to think at a system‑architecture level rather than solely at a component level.
• Proven Track Record: You have completed 1–2 postdoctoral fellowships or possess 3–5 years of hands‑on industrial R&D experience within a quantum technology company. Your background demonstrates technical maturity equivalent to competitive academic faculty candidates or senior industry researchers.
• Strategic Technical Leader: You can look at multi‑disciplinary R&D outputs, identify the critical path, and synthesize complex scientific work into clear operational execution plans.
• Effective Internal Collaborator: You excel at internal leadership—guiding technical teams, establishing accountability, and working seamlessly with product leadership without needing to focus on customer‑or investor‑facing duties.
• In‑person Collaborator: You thrive in an active, hands‑on laboratory and engineering environment. You are comfortable working on‑site in our Calgary R&D facility 100% of the time during your initial 3‑month onboarding period, transitioning to our standard hybrid model (4 days in‑office with your choice of WFH on Tuesday or Thursday) afterward.

Why You’ll Love QTi

At QTi, you’ll join a high‑performing, supportive team working on world‑changing technology. We offer a competitive total rewards package, including:

• Competitive base salary and eligibility for annual performance reviews.
• Generous paid vacation and flexible time‑off policies.
• Rapid career progression and learning opportunities in a high‑growth quantum tech startup.
• A vibrant, collaborative work environment in Calgary, AB.

• Quantized Technologies Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.