Manager - Optics & Photonics Development

Job Description

Job Title: Sr. Manager - Optics and Photonics Development - 590. Location: Broomfield, CO, USA

This on-site leadership role focuses on building next-generation quantum computing hardware by guiding teams working on optics, photonics and integrated detector technologies; You will report to the Director of Photonics and play a key role in shaping future quantum system architectures.

Duties:

• Lead and manage a distributed team of optics engineers, photonics designers, and physicists.
• Deliver high-performance optics and photonics solutions on schedule and aligned with business needs.
• Drive development of photonic integrated circuits using waveguide and metasurface approaches.
• Oversee design of optical micro-assemblies and integrated photodetector arrays;
• Identify technology gaps between current capabilities and future trapped-ion architectures.
• Define and execute strategies to close performance and scalability gaps;
• Partner with architecture, fabrication, and product engineering teams on short-loop experiments.
• Own planning and execution across scope, schedule, budget, risk, and resource allocation.
• Build team structure, mentor managers, hire talent, and support long-term succession planning.
• Promote excellence, productivity, and strong cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree minimum in optics, photonics, physics, or a closely related field.
• At least 1 year of experience in the quantum technology industry.
• 8+ years of industry experience in optics and or photonics.
• 6+ years in a leadership or management role;
• Strong background in metasurface optics, photonic integrated circuits, and photodetector solutions.
• Proven expertise in atomic, molecular, and optical physics or quantum computing.
• Experience managing distributed technical teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• Must be a U.S. person due to contractual requirements;
• 10+ years of industry experience and recent hands-on photonics development are strongly preferred.

Benefits and Instructions:

• Estimated total compensation range: $224,000–$280,000 per year, including bonus eligibility.
• Equity, 401(k) with match, student loan repayment support, and paid holidays.
• Employer-subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance;
• Flexible work schedule, generous vacation, sick time, and paid parental leave;
• Opportunity to work at a global leader in quantum computing with teams across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan.
• Quantinuum is an equal opportunity employer and uses AI tools only to assist parts of the hiring process, with final decisions made by humans.