Senior Cryogenic Technician

Photonic Inc.; Coquitlam; On-site; CAD 105,000 - 144,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Join an innovative team in quantum technologies

Equity and benefits for full-time roles

Diverse and inclusive work culture

Job summary

Photonic Inc. is seeking a Senior Cryogenic Technician in Coquitlam, BC, to operate and maintain cryogenic systems essential for our quantum hardware laboratory. The role demands extensive hands-on experience and focuses on procedural improvements and ensuring safety in critical environments.

The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of cryogenic and low-temperature systems and must have a strong commitment to safety and quality operational practices. Join us to innovate and redefine computing!

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of experience with cryogenic systems.
• Demonstrated ability to improve and execute procedures.
• Strong knowledge of cryogenic and low-temperature processes.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain cryogenic systems for quantum hardware.
• Develop and refine operational procedures for cryogenic systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and training.

Skills

Cryogenic system operation

Procedure improvement

High-vacuum systems knowledge

Leak detection techniques

Attention to detail

Education

Technical diploma or equivalent experience

Tools

Cryostats

Gas handling systems

High-vacuum pumps and valves

Job description

Compensation: The base annual salary range for this full‑time role is $105,000 to $144,400 CAD. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target range for new hire base salary across all Canadian locations. Actual compensation may vary outside of this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate’s qualifications, relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full‑time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Department: Operations

Location: British Columbia, Canada

Senior Cryogenic Technician

Photonic supports the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of cryogenic systems used in our quantum hardware laboratory. This role focuses on hands‑on ownership of cryostats, cryogenic infrastructure, and associated vacuum and gas handling systems that enable low‑temperature quantum experiments. The position is part of the Operations Team and works closely with Lab Technicians who support laboratory readiness and experimental setups, and Assembly Technicians who build and integrate quantum control systems. The Cryogenic Technician is primarily responsible for cryogenic system operation, safety, and procedural quality while collaborating with engineering and scientific staff during system bring‑up and operation.

This is a senior individual‑contributor role intended for experienced cryogenic technicians who are comfortable improving procedures, identifying risks, and operating in safety‑critical environments.

Responsibilities

Operate and Maintain Cryogenic Systems

• Operate, monitor, and maintain closed‑cycle cryogenic systems and cryostats used for quantum hardware experiments
• Execute and oversee cool‑down, steady‑state operation, and warm‑up of cryogenic systems
• Monitor system performance including temperatures, pressures, vacuum levels, and flow conditions
• Identify abnormal operating conditions and take appropriate corrective action

Develop and Refine Cryogenic Procedures

• Develop, refine, and maintain procedures for cool‑down, steady‑state operation, and warm‑up of cryogenic systems
• Improve existing procedures where documentation is incomplete, unclear, or inconsistent
• Create checklists and operational guides to support repeatable and safe cryogenic operation
• Provide input to training materials used by junior technicians and other lab staff

Maintain Cryogenic Infrastructure and Gas Handling

• Operate and maintain high‑vacuum systems associated with cryostats, including pumps, valves, gauges, and seals
• Perform leak checking of vacuum and gas systems using appropriate techniques and instrumentation
• Operate and maintain gas handling systems for helium and nitrogen used for charging, purging, and venting cryogenic systems
• Support the use and maintenance of liquid nitrogen systems used for cold traps and cryogenic support equipment

Safety and Compliance

• Follow and help enforce cryogenic safety practices related to high‑pressure systems, oxygen deficiency hazards, cryogens, and vacuum equipment
• Support compliance with WorkSafeBC, WHMIS, and internal safety requirements
• Participate in hazard assessments, safety reviews, and operational readiness reviews
• Assist in training staff on cryogenic safety, emergency response, and safe operating procedures

Work with Operations and Engineering Teams

• Work alongside Lab Technicians to support experiments and laboratory operations near cryogenic systems
• Coordinate with Assembly Technicians during installation and integration of hardware near cryostats
• Support engineering teams during cryogenic system bring‑up, testing, and troubleshooting
• Provide operational and design‑for‑serviceability feedback to engineering based on hands‑on experience

Documentation and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate records of system configurations, maintenance activities, and operational history
• Contribute to improving cryogenic system documentation, procedures, and safety materials
• Identify reliability, maintainability, and operational risks and propose mitigation strategies

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Seven or more years of hands‑on experience operating cryogenic or low‑temperature systems
• Demonstrated experience executing and improving cryogenic procedures, not just following them
• Strong practical knowledge of closed‑cycle cryogenic systems and cryostats
• Experience with high‑vacuum systems, gas handling, and leak detection techniques
• Experience working in safety‑critical environments involving cryogens, high‑pressure gases, and vacuum equipment
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, vacuum, and cryogenic system issues methodically
• Strong sense of ownership, situational awareness, and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting cryogenic systems used in quantum or low‑temperature physics experiments
• Familiarity with dilution refrigerators or pulse‑tube based cryogenic systems
• Experience with oxygen deficiency monitoring systems and safety controls
• Experience contributing to operational readiness reviews or procedure development efforts

Education

• Technical diploma, apprenticeship, or equivalent hands‑on experience in cryogenics, mechanical systems, or related fields
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or a related field is an asset but not required
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely lift and move equipment up to approximately 25 kg using appropriate lifting aids or team assistance
• Comfortable working around heavy equipment, compressed gases, and cryogenic systems in a laboratory environment

Benefits

• Work closely with some of the brightest innovators in quantum technologies to drive breakthroughs that redefine computing
• Take ownership of cryogenic system operation and procedural quality, your expertise directly shapes how we build and scale our technology
• Play a key role in enabling cutting‑edge low‑temperature quantum hardware operation
• Collaborate daily with Operations, Engineering, and Science teams in an inclusive, cross‑functional environment
• Help establish and refine cryogenic operating standards as our systems continue to scale and evolve
• Contribute directly to system uptime, safety, and experimental success

At Photonic, we understand that everyone has a different work and life journey. 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.