Principal Engineer, Optics Engineering

Jobtailor; Coquitlam; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior optical engineering leader to guide the design and engineering of optical sub-systems advancing our quantum computing roadmap. You will collaborate across science and engineering teams to mature prototypes into reliable, manufacturable solutions and define telemetry, test flows, and validation methods for fiber-based subsystems in the O-band.

An advanced degree and 15+ years in telecom/data-center optics, strong Python/Solidworks/Lumerical skills, and proven

Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Optics, Engineering or Engineering Physics.
• Over 15 years of industry experience in sectors such as telecommunications and data centers.
• Proven track record of driving innovation in optical solutions, leading to successful market adoption.
• Experience with development of fiber-based C- or O-band systems from pathfinding through to volume production.
• Experience with test instruments and procedures, and data analysis for characterizing optical performance.
• Proficient with optical design, modeling, and data analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for the design and engineering of optical sub-systems advancing Photonic’s quantum computing roadmap.
• Collaborate across science and engineering teams to move optical sub-system designs from prototype into reliable and manufacturable solutions.
• Drive the design, build, and test roadmap for sub-systems containing precision optical sources, single-photon fiber networks, and telemetry for in-system diagnostics in the O-band regime.
• Ensure cross-functional alignment of sub-system specifications to requirements.
• Collaborate with strategic suppliers on new components, designs, and test and manufacturing methods.
• Define optical design and validation flows, including tools, methods, and testing.
• Lead specification and modeling of the optical link architecture.
• Define and execute the roadmap for fiber-based electro-optical assemblies and sub-systems using state-of-the-art photonic technologies.
• Track and meet technical and programmatic requirements, including performance, stability, reliability, noise/environmental sensitivity, uptime, space, cost, and schedule.
• Identify new component technologies and drive innovations needed to execute the roadmap.
• Drive delivery cadence with integrated photonics and quantum systems teams.
• Define telemetry and control schemes to monitor and optimize optical parameters critical to quantum system performance.

Skills

Optical Design

Fiber-Based Systems Development

Technical Leadership

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Data Analysis for Optical Performance

Education

Master’s Degree in Optics

Doctoral Degree in Engineering or Engineering Physics

Tools

Python

Solidworks

Lumerical

Altium

Job description

• Provide technical leadership for the design and engineering of optical sub-systems advancing Photonic’s quantum computing roadmap
• Collaborate across science and engineering teams to move optical sub-system designs from prototype into reliable and manufacturable solutions
• Drive the design, build, and test roadmap for sub-systems containing precision optical sources, single-photon fiber networks, and telemetry for in-system diagnostics in the O-band regime
• Ensure cross-functional alignment of sub-system specifications to requirements
• Collaborate with strategic suppliers on new components, designs, and test and manufacturing methods
• Define optical design and validation flows, including tools, methods, and testing
• Lead specification and modeling of the optical link architecture
• Define and execute the roadmap for fiber-based electro-optical assemblies and sub-systems using state-of-the-art photonic technologies
• Track and meet technical and programmatic requirements, including performance, stability, reliability, noise/environmental sensitivity, uptime, space, cost, and schedule
• Identify new component technologies and drive innovations needed to execute the roadmap
• Drive delivery cadence with integrated photonics and quantum systems teams
• Define telemetry and control schemes to monitor and optimize optical parameters critical to quantum system performance

Requirements

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Optics, Engineering or Engineering Physics
• Over 15 years of industry experience in sectors such as telecommunications and data centers
• Proven track record of driving innovation in optical solutions, leading to successful market adoption
• Experience with development of fiber-based C- or O-band systems from pathfinding through to volume production
• Experience with test instruments and procedures, and data analysis for characterizing optical performance
• Proficient with optical design, modeling, and data analysis software
• Sustained track record in driving innovation in fiber-based optics with results in market adoption
• Experience in following a project lifecycle, delivering new products on cadence, including requirements, designs, build and test flows
• Expertise in roadmap definition with stakeholder and supply chain alignment
• Leadership on design methodology for optical engineering
• Experience in driving cross-functional collaboration and alignment
• Excellent technical leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with intellectual property development and technology commercialization
• Experience in a high-growth or startup environment
• Proficient with Python or other scripting languages
• Familiarity with CAD/modeling tools such as Solidworks, Lumerical, and Altium
• Cover letter required with resume in one file

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in optical design and engineering, with a strong focus on fiber-based systems and quantum computing applications. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive innovation, and ensure alignment with technical and programmatic requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Optical Design
• Fiber-Based Systems Development
• Technical Leadership
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Data Analysis for Optical Performance

Hard Skills

• Optical Design
• Modeling
• Data Analysis
• Innovation in Optical Solutions
• Project Lifecycle Management
• Roadmap Definition
• Telecom Systems
• Quantum Systems
• Optical Link Architecture
• Test Instruments

Soft Skills

• Technical Leadership
• Communication
• Problem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Optics
• Doctoral Degree in Engineering or Engineering Physics

Industry Keywords

• Telecommunications
• Data Centers
• Fiber-Based Optics
• Quantum Computing
• High-Growth Environment

Tools & Technologies

• Python
• Solidworks
• Lumerical
• Altium