Vp, Software Engineering

VP, Software EngineeringApplication Deadline:
30 November 2026
Department:
Software Engineering
Employment Type:
Full Time
Location:
British Columbia, Canada (Hybrid)
Compensation:
CA$238,700 - CA$328,300 / year
DescriptionPhotonic is building first-of-their-kind quantum computing capabilities at the intersection of photonics, silicon spin qubits, advanced software systems, and large-scale technical integration.
As VP, Software Engineering, you will define and lead the software strategy that enables Photonic's path from research to scalable quantum computing systems. You will oversee software engineering across core platforms, simulations, compilers, AI, development infrastructure, and software-hardware co-development practices. This role requires a leader who can simultaneously build high-performing software teams, improve engineering execution, and leverage modern AI and agentic development approaches to dramatically increase organizational productivity. You will partner closely with hardware, systems, integrated photonics, product, and research leaders to ensure software capabilities accelerate innovation, improve engineering effectiveness, and enable successful delivery of increasingly sophisticated quantum computing systems.
WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO
Build, lead, and scale a world-class software engineering organization across software systems, simulation, compilers, AI, and software infrastructure
Lead the adoption of AI-assisted and agentic development across Photonic, defining the strategy, operating model, tooling, governance, and organizational changes required to embed these capabilities into everyday engineering work
Build the platforms, workflows, and enablement practices required to scale AI adoption across engineering while improving quality, security, and developer effectiveness
Identify and prioritize opportunities to improve engineering productivity, reduce development latency, shorten learning cycles, and accelerate technical progress
Define and execute the software strategy required to support Photonic's engineering, product, and commercialization objectives
Partner closely with Product and Program Management to establish effective end-to-end development processes spanning requirements, prioritization, development, validation, and delivery
Partner closely with hardware, systems, integrated photonics, and research teams to enable effective software-hardware co-development and ensure software capabilities scale with the increasing complexity of Photonic's quantum computing platform
Build and mentor a strong software leadership team while establishing modern software engineering practices, technical governance, tooling, automation, execution discipline, and proactive management of software and delivery risks across the organization
WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM
Proven success leading AI-enabled engineering transformation, including the adoption of AI-assisted and agentic development practices that delivered measurable improvements in productivity, quality, velocity, or organizational effectiveness
Experience building and scaling software engineering organizations responsible for complex technical products, platforms, or development ecosystems
Strong technical credibility across modern software architecture, developer platforms, AI-enabled development tools, automation, and software lifecycle management
Demonstrated success building high-performing engineering cultures that balance innovation, execution, accountability, and technical excellence
Experience leading software organizations supporting complex hardware, scientific computing, semiconductors, deep-tech platforms, or similarly integrated technical systems
Deep understanding of software-hardware co-development and its impact on system performance, scalability, reliability, and manufacturabilities
Strong product and operational mindset, with the ability to connect software investments to defined problems, measurable outcomes, and business priorities
Excellent leadership, communication, and change-management skills
AN EXCEPTIONAL CANDIDATE WILL BRING
Experience in quantum computing, photonics, semiconductors, scientific computing, or similarly complex deep-tech environments
Experience building AI-enabled engineering platforms, developer ecosystems, or software organizations that acted as force multipliers across large technical teams
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.
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