Lead Engineer - Laser Systems

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Engineer - Laser Systems. Location: Toronto, Canada

Responsibilities:

• Architect and build ultra-stable, low-noise laser engines for photonic quantum computers
• Own the technical roadmap, subsystem requirements, component requirements, and comprehensive testing strategy
• Ensure technical documentation is accurate and complete
• Lead experimental validation of critical technical challenges in the optics laboratory
• Coordinate research plans and technical execution to meet subsystem requirements
• Integrate control logic, locking electronics, and physical laser hardware;
• Define laser front-end stability requirements based on quantum computing architecture constraints
• Develop Design for Manufacturing, Design for Test, and Design for Reliability strategies
• Create workflows for make-or-buy decisions and transition research prototypes into industrial-grade solutions
• Coordinate with firmware, electronics, mechanical, and other engineering teams for system integration
• Document system interfaces and create clear technical hand-off packages
• Develop procurement pipelines, RFQ documentation, and validation plans;
• Work with legal and procurement teams on high-stakes vendor contracts and technical specifications
• Establish long-term supply-chain strategies with strategic partners
• Manage technical and timeline risks and ensure there are no single points of failure in the development roadmap

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in high-performance photonics
• Deep expertise in semiconductor lasers, optical amplification, and EO modulators;
• Experience managing high-power subsystems, thermal management, and noise/stability requirements, including RIN and phase noise
• Strong experience with laser frequency stabilization and high-bandwidth feedback/servo control loops
• Strong RF/microwave engineering background for pulsed optical systems
• Proven technical vendor management experience, including SOW definition, build-versus-buy decisions, and custom photonic component supply chains
• Experience testing and deploying photonic integrated circuits at scale;
• Proven experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) for complex optical systems
• Disciplined, data-driven approach to experimental validation, troubleshooting, and design for manufacturability

Benefits and Compensation:

• Access to a state-of-the-art optics laboratory
• Access to custom integrated photonic devices
• Collaboration with scientists and engineers from diverse technical backgrounds
• Significant team budget to support the work;
• Opportunity to work on fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing technology
• Inclusive, safe, and equitable workplace
• Barrier-free workplace accommodations available during the recruitment process