Principal Optical Systems Engineer

September 5, 2025

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Job Description

Description

Principal Optical Systems Engineer

Department: Hardware Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: British Columbia, Canada

Compensation: The base annual salary range for this full-time role is between $156,000 to $215,000. 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

Photonic is seeking an experienced Optics Engineer to provide technical leadership in designing and engineering solutions to advance Photonic’s quantum computing roadmap. In this role, you will collaborate with scientists and engineers to transition optical sub-system designs from prototypes to reliable, manufacturable solutions. Your responsibilities include leading the design, build, and testing of sub-systems with precision optical sources, single-photon fiber networks, and telemetry for in-system diagnostics in the O-band regime. This role ensures the development of Photonic’s capabilities in alignment with strategic suppliers, covering new components, designs, testing, and manufacturing methods. You will define requirements, ensure cross-functional alignment, and deliver solutions that meet these specifications. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced, research-driven environment and is excited by the challenges of enhancing Photonic’s product development methodologies.

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

  • Define optical design and validation flow (tools, methods, test)
  • Lead specification of optical link architecture to meet requirements (performance, reliability, uptime, stability, space, cost, environmental factors such as thermal and RF noise)
  • Define a roadmap to deliver fiber-based electro-optical assemblies and sub-systems, leveraging state-of-the-art photonic technologies to meet performance, space, and cost objectives
  • Identify and drive component technologies and innovations to execute the roadmap
  • Own the model for optical links and drive innovation in alignment with Photonic’s integrated photonics and quantum systems teams
  • Define telemetry and control schemes to manage critical optical parameters for Photonic’s quantum system performance

WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM

  • Master’s or Doctoral degree in Optics, Engineering Physics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics
  • 15+ years of industry experience with a proven record of innovation in telecommunications or data-center optics solutions, with results in market adoption
  • Disciplined execution skills to deliver new products on schedule: roadmap, requirements, designs, build, and test flows
  • Expertise in defining roadmaps with stakeholder and supply chain alignment
  • Leadership in optical engineering design methodology
  • Experience with development lifecycle for fiber-based C- or O-band systems from concept to volume production
  • Experience in driving cross-functional collaboration and alignment
  • Excellent technical leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with intellectual property development and technology commercialization
  • Proven experience in driving innovation
  • Experience in high-growth or startup environments

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH US