Staff System Architect – SNSPD Systems

ID Quantique SA; Genf; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work models

Equity plan

Career development

Training and development

Global team

Job summary

ID Quantique SA in Geneva leads quantum-safe detection systems and is part of IonQ. We are seeking a Staff System Architect dedicated to the SNSPD product line to guide the technical architecture and establish the roadmap for next-generation rack-mounted detectors.

You will unite photonics, cryogenics, electronics and embedded software into scalable, maintainable architectures, owning end-to-end system designs and driving cross-disciplinary trade-offs to meet ambitious performance and

Qualifications

• 7+ years in complex, multi-domain systems.
• Proven ownership of system architecture and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture for the SNSPD platform and ensure cross-domain coherence.
• Define system structure, interfaces and key architectural decisions.
• Drive technology roadmap and evaluate new technologies for relevance.

Skills

System architecture

Multi-domain integration

Technical leadership

Photonics

Cryogenics

Embedded software

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in physics/EE/photonics

Job description

ID Quantique (IDQ) as part of IONQ, is a global leader in quantum-safe communications and quantum detection systems. We provide solutions to protect governments, telecommunication infrastructures, and banking & financial institutions from the \"harvest-now, decrypt-later\" threat, delivering both terrestrial and space-based quantum-safe networks in live operation globally. Our Quantum Detection Systems push the limits of single-photon detection, powering breakthroughs in quantum communication, sensing, computing, and ultra-sensitive imaging in partnership with top researchers and tech innovators worldwide.

What to expect

We are looking for a Staff System Architect to be fully dedicated to the SNSPD product line, with a strong focus on leading the technical architecture and roadmap for our next-generation rack-mountable SNSPD (Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector) platform. This role is critical to defining and guiding the technical evolution of our cutting-edge cryogenic photon detection systems, ensuring architectural coherence across hardware, software, and integration domains while supporting our product vision and market requirements.

You will bring a track record of architecting sophisticated, multi-domain instruments or systems where success depends on bringing multiple technical disciplines together. Whether your experience comes from space systems, astronomical instrumentation, scientific or medical imaging, advanced microscopy, semiconductor equipment, or another deep-tech field, we value your ability to see the bigger picture, navigate complex technical trade-offs, and create a coherent system architecture.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you will be an integral part of the development process for IDQ's SNSPD platform, with applications across quantum computing, networking, and sensing. You will be at the intersection of quantum photonics, cryogenic systems engineering and embedded systems to create scalable, maintainable architectures for autonomous 24/7 detector operations.

You will take ownership of the end-to-end system architecture of the SNSPD platform, ensuring alignment with a shared long-term product vision while translating product requirements into clear system-level designs and specifications. This includes defining system structure, interfaces, and key architectural decisions, as well as driving critical trade-offs across performance, cost, scalability, and integration. You will also align engineering execution with the architectural vision, guiding system integration and resolving complex cross-domain design challenges.

In addition, you will play a key role in shaping the technology roadmap and driving the evolution of the platform, continuously evaluating and introducing new technologies where relevant to maintain innovation and competitiveness.

• Lead system architecture, design decisions, and cross-functional alignment to ensure a scalable and high-performing SNSPD platform
• Drive technology roadmap, integration, and innovation by evaluating and implementing new technologies

What you'll bring

We are looking for an experienced systems architect with a Master’s degree (PhD preferred) in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a related discipline, and 7+ years of experience working with complex, multi-domain systems. You will have demonstrated ownership of system architecture and experience bringing together technologies such as optics or photonics, electronics, mechanical or thermal systems, and embedded or software components to create integrated, high-performing instruments or platforms.

You will demonstrate strong technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, with the ability to communicate complex system architectures clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. You will drive alignment across disciplines, enable informed technical decision-making, and foster effective collaboration to deliver robust, scalable, and high-performing system designs.

• Extensive experience in system architecture and multi-domain integration, with strong system-level thinking
• Proven technical leadership, with the ability to influence, align, and guide multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication skills, translating complex system-level concepts into clear decisions, priorities, and direction

You'll be a great fit with

• Background in domains of comparable complexity: space instrumentation, astronomy, high-end microscopy or imaging, semiconductor or scientific equipment
• Experience with photonics, low-noise electronics, cryogenics, or vacuum systems
• Experience with SNSPDs, single-photon detection, or quantum systems
• Experience bringing industrialized or rack-mountable systems to market

What We Offer

• A role at one of the fastest growing and most exciting Quantum companies in the world.
• A competitive compensation scheme, benefits package and equity plan. All designed to reward excellence.
• Flexible work models that let you balance your life, your family, and your career.
• Ongoing training and development to keep your skills sharp and your growth on track.
• A career development plan within the IonQ group's companies
• A dynamic, close-knit environment where you collaborate with a global team of experts.
• A performance-driven culture built on trust, teamwork, and shared ambition.

ID Quantique/ IonQ is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by law.