Quantum Device Characterization Manager

Diraq; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 170,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off to volunteer

Employee equity program

401k + comprehensive Health Insurance plan

Job summary

Diraq is seeking a Quantum Device Characterization Manager in Chicago to lead a multidisciplinary team in the scalable characterization of silicon-based quantum devices. This position involves guiding team members, engaging in experimental design, and developing high-throughput characterization capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field, significant hands-on experience, strong leadership skills, and expertise in cryogenic measurement systems. Enjoy competitive benefits including paid time off and participation in employee equity programs.

Qualifications

• Significant hands-on experience in experimental quantum device characterization or nanoscale device measurement.
• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring technical teams in a research or engineering environment.
• Proficiency in programming for experimental control and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of device-characterization engineers/scientists.
• Lead and evolve quantum device characterization workflows to diagnose performance bottlenecks.
• Oversee data pipelines and analysis frameworks to generate reliable device metrics at scale.

Skills

Leadership

Experimental design

Data analysis

Cryogenic measurement systems

Programming (Python or similar)

Education

PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field

Job description

Quantum Device Characterization Manager

The Quantum Device Characterization Manager leads a team responsible for the scalable characterization of silicon‑based quantum devices. This role combines people leadership with deep hands‑on expertise, guiding, mentoring, and growing a multidisciplinary team while actively engaging in experimental design, measurement strategy, and technical problem‑solving. The manager will own the development of high‑throughput characterization capabilities, combining cryogenic measurement systems, automation, and data analysis to generate insights that directly improve device performance, yield, and manufacturability. The work will play a critical role in translating experimental results into actionable improvements across fabrication, materials, and process engineering.

Job Requirements

• PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Significant hands‑on experience in experimental quantum device characterisation or nanoscale device measurement.
• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring technical teams in a research or engineering environment.
• Strong expertise in cryogenic measurement systems and low‑temperature electronics.
• Proven ability to design and execute experimental workflows, including data acquisition and analysis.
• Proficiency in programming for experimental control and data analysis (e.g., Python or similar).
• Strong problem‑solving capability with the ability to translate complex data into engineering insights.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with silicon‑based quantum devices (e.g., spin qubits, quantum dots).
• Familiarity with automated measurement systems and autotuning techniques.
• Experience operating in high‑throughput or scaled experimental environments.
• Knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes and device design considerations.
• Track record of delivering technical programs in multidisciplinary teams.

People Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team of device‑characterization engineers/scientists.
• Establish clear goals, expectations, and performance standards; conduct regular feedback, coaching, and career development conversations.
• Build team capability through hiring, onboarding, technical upskilling, and defining clear role scopes within the function.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Technical Leadership & Execution

• Lead and evolve quantum device characterization workflows to diagnose performance bottlenecks, improve robustness, and increase fabrication and operational yield.
• Contribute to device architecture and layout, ensuring alignment between design, fabrication, and characterization requirements.
• Develop and optimize cryogenic measurement infrastructures, including automation, instrumentation, and protocol design.
• Create high‑throughput characterization methodologies, enabling repeatable, scalable, and efficient device testing.
• Support automation and autotuning initiatives, integrating characterization data into automated workflows where appropriate.
• Oversee data pipelines and analysis frameworks to generate reliable device metrics at scale.
• Translate device‑performance insights into actionable recommendations for fabrication, materials, and process‑engineering teams.
• Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary workstreams, ensuring high‑quality project outcomes.

Job Benefits

• A front‑row seat in a world‑changing technology story — and the chance to be part of that story.
• Immediate visibility: your work will ship, land, and matter.
• A lean, ambitious team where people back each other and move fast.
• Paid time off to volunteer for causes you care about.
• Eligibility to participate in our employee equity program.
• 401k + comprehensive Health Insurance plan

Diraq is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Salary

170000 - 225000 USD (yearly)