System Engineer Automation

Photonic Inc.; Remote; CAD 111,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quantum technology company is seeking a System Engineer (Automation) to join the Quantum Systems Integration team. The role focuses on designing and maintaining a high-quality software layer for quantum processors and requires strong Python expertise, analytical skills, and a collaborative spirit. Candidates with a computer science or engineering background and a passion for quantum technologies will thrive in this dynamic environment that values innovation and teamwork. Competitive compensation and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package including base salary and stock options

Comprehensive benefits including health and dental

Regular social events and fun activities

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with complex workflows and physical systems.
• Ability to express complex technical concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain a software layer for quantum processors.
• Collaborate with engineers to translate experimental requirements into code.
• Document processes and tools for scientific usage.

Skills

Python expertise

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

BSc/MSc in computer science, physics, engineering or equivalent

Tools

Bitbucket

Git

Job description

System Engineer (Automation)

Department: Quantum Processors

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Remote (Canada)

Compensation: The base annual salary range for this full-time role is between $111,000 to $153,000. 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 including 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.

Description

System Engineers (Automation) at Photonic are part of the Quantum Systems Integration team and are responsible for defining and creating the software layer that controls the operation of our quantum processor. Your expertise in production quality code and automations is essential for the development of quantum computers that provide commercial value.

Your work will influence directly how Photonic’s fault-tolerant utility-scale distributed quantum computer is used and operated.

You’ll work closely with high-performing teams of scientists, product engineers, and business units on a range of topics. You will enjoy the thrill of learning new technology and new science, while bringing your significant algorithm development knowledge, open mind, and creativity to tackle key challenges as we build the world’s first truly scalable quantum computing system.

Please include a cover letter with your resume (in one file) describing how you would be a great fit at Photonic and what attributes you could bring to our growing team.

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO

• Design, build, and maintain a high-quality software layer that powers experiment orchestration, device control, calibration, and data analysis for our quantum processor.
• Collaborate closely with quantum engineers, modeling teams and software teams to translate experimental requirements into scalable code (e.g. lab automation, data acquisition, and analysis tools).
• Be responsible for creating a software environment that promotes quality, scalability, and robustness from all contributors.
• Design and run automated test suites on hardware.
• Integrate and provide feedback on features implemented within the team and by other departments.
• Contribute to architecture discussions.
• Document and communicate clearly—from READMEs and user guides to design docs—so scientists and engineers can use and extend your tools.
• Champion engineering best practices and mentor teammates; help raise the bar through reviews and shared utilities.

WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM

• BSc/MSc in computer science, physics, engineering or equivalent education, with 3+ years of relevant experience in industry. Quantum background is a plus.
• Strong, demonstrable Python expertise (3+ years in industry) building production systems - comfortable across packaging, testing, performance tuning, and data processing.
• Experience interfacing with physical systems or complex workflows (e.g. instrumentation, experiment control, or data pipelines).
• Proficiency with modern software practices:
  • Bitbucket, Git, code review, CI/CD, and API design.
  • Applied data skills and practical statistics for experiment analysis.
• Excellent analytical and debugging skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to express complex technical concepts in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
• Demonstrated ability to creatively solve problems, prioritize, and manage multiple priorities.
• Outstanding teamwork and communication skills to interface with many disciplines.

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH US

• Work closely with some of the brightest innovators in quantum technologies to drive breakthroughs that redefine computing
• Enjoy a fast-paced and fun environment where you can try new things while solving innovative challenges every day
• Inclusive company culture that values collaboration
• Regular social events and fun activities keep our global team connected
• Competitive compensation package including base salary, stock options, and relocation assistance for global talent
• Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, life, long term disability, an employee assistance program, parental leave top-ups, and a flexible spending account

The description above is what we think an ideal candidate would look like for this role. At Photonic, we understand that everyone has a different work and life journey. If you feel your experience is close to what we've described, but you might not meet all the requirements, please still apply! All roles listed are for current vacancies. While artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist in reviewing applicant profiles, they do not determine candidate outcomes. Our hiring decisions are made by people, not algorithms. 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.