Director, Mechanical Engineering

Photonic is building first-of-their-kind quantum computing capabilities at the intersection of photonics, silicon spin qubits, and large-scale technical integration.
As Director, Mechanical Systems Engineering, you will lead the organization responsible for the mechanical systems, cryogenic sample space, and precision assemblies that transform Photonic's quantum integrated circuits into operating quantum modules. These systems operate in demanding environments including cryogenic temperatures, high magnetic fields, and highly constrained optical and electrical interfaces.
This role combines technical leadership, organizational development, and execution. You will build and scale a multidisciplinary team spanning mechanical and cryogenic engineering, establish strong engineering processes and design rigor, and partner closely with hardware, integrated photonics, systems, software, and research teams to deliver increasingly integrated and manufacturable quantum computing platforms.
Department: Hardware Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: British Columbia, Canada (Onsite)
Workplace type: Onsite
Compensation: CA$193,300 - CA$265,800 / year
WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO
Build and lead the Mechanical Systems Engineering team, establishing strong technical leadership, engineering excellence, and clear accountability for delivery.
Own the design and delivery of the cryogenic sample space, including chip mount assemblies, thermal management systems, optical and electrical interfaces, magnetic field subsystems, and related precision hardware.
Own the mechanical systems and assemblies that package Photonic's quantum integrated circuits into operating quantum modules.
Define and manage requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies between mechanical, cryogenic, optical, electrical, and systems engineering teams.
Partner closely with hardware, integrated photonics, systems, software, and research teams to ensure successful subsystem integration and system-level performance.
Establish and maintain rigorous engineering practices and standards including requirements management, analysis, simulation, design reviews, trade studies, FMEA, testing, verification, and documentation.
Lead external development and manufacturing partners to deliver complex hardware systems and assemblies.
Collaborate with test, assembly, and integration teams to improve manufacturability, system readiness, yield learning, and overall product performance.
Drive design-for-manufacturing, design-for-test, reliability, maintainability, and scalability considerations throughout the product development lifecycle.
Strengthen execution through effective planning, risk management, resource allocation, make-versus-buy decisions, and proactive removal of technical and organizational barriers.
Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering organization, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
Leverage modern engineering tools, design automation, and AI-enabled workflows to improve engineering productivity, engineering quality, and decision making.
WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM
Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or a related discipline.
10+ years of engineering leadership experience in precision mechanical systems, advanced hardware development, semiconductors, scientific instrumentation, cryogenic systems, or similarly complex technology environments
Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams delivering complex hardware products or platforms
Strong technical credibility across precision mechanical design, complex assemblies, thermal systems, and systems integration
Experience leading engineering teams responsible for systems operating in demanding environments such as cryogenic temperatures, vacuum systems, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, scientific instrumentation, or similarly complex applications
Strong systems-thinking capability with experience defining requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies across multiple engineering disciplines
Experience establishing rigorous engineering processes including simulation, prototyping, testing, documentation, design reviews, risk assessment, and issue tracking
Proven ability to hire, mentor, and develop high-performing technical teams
Strong operational mindset, able to translate ambitious technical objectives into executable plans with clear ownership and milestones
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
An Exceptional Candidate will bring:
Experience in quantum computing, photonics, semiconductors, scientific instrumentation, aerospace, or similarly complex deep-tech environments
Experience leading teams that include cryogenic, thermal, vacuum, precision optics, RF, or other highly specialized engineering disciplines
Familiarity with cryostats, cryogenic systems, thermal management, vacuum systems, or precision optical and electrical integration
Experience managing external development, manufacturing, or supply chain partners
Experience scaling hardware organizations from technology development through manufacturing and productization
Experience delivering against government-funded programs or advanced technology development milestones
Familiarity with intellectual property development, technology transfer, or commercialization activities
Experience in a high-growth or startup environment
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.
About PhotonicPhotonic Inc. is a leading quantum technology company developing commercial-scale quantum computers and quantum networks to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in materials science, drug discovery, climate change, and security. The company’s approach unlocks performance at scale through unmatched distributed quantum computing capabilities. Photonic’s high-connectivity Entanglement First™ architecture leverages a unique qubit modality-optically linked silicon spin qubits to enable powerful computation, efficient error correction, and seamless integration with existing data center and telecom environments. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with operations in the United States and United Kingdom, Photonic’s team is advancing quantum technologies alongside leading investors, partners, and customers worldwide.
Our Hiring ProcessStage 1: Applied
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