Manager, Quantum Processor Development

Job Description

Job Title: Manager, Quantum Processor Development. Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

This role combines hands-on technical leadership with people-focused management, playing a key part in advancing superconducting quantum hardware while nurturing a strong, inclusive research culture; You will help guide the long-term vision of D-Wave’s processor technology and ensure continued innovation at scale.

Duties:

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of experimental physicists working on quantum processor development.
• Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and support professional growth for team members.
• Scope and plan research and development projects in collaboration with program, product, and people managers.
• Partner with HR and senior leadership on recruitment, budgeting, and strategic planning;
• Foster a culture of inclusion, integrity, accountability, and open scientific inquiry.
• Collaborate across hardware engineering, cryogenics, fabrication, software, quantum applications, and product teams.
• Guide root cause analysis of complex system-level issues across interdisciplinary teams.
• Communicate technical priorities, progress, and risks to internal stakeholders and leadership;
• Develop deep understanding of D-Wave’s superconducting processor technology to guide priorities and resource allocation.
• Balance near-term delivery with long-term research innovation and curiosity-driven exploration.
• Stay informed on academic research and industry trends to support technology and product decisions.
• Contribute to hands-on experimental work, patents, publications, and conference presentations as needed.
• Support roadmap development, risk management, and long-term technical strategy.

Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience.
• 8+ years of experience in advanced technology or industrial R&D environments.
• 5+ years of experience leading scientific or technical teams;
• Strong background in experimental methods, including cryogenic measurements, RF systems, and control electronics.
• Experience with programming for experimental automation and data analysis; experience with Lisp or similar languages is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary research projects and mentor early-career researchers.
• Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Systems-level problem-solving skills and a collaborative leadership style.

Benefits and Instructions:

• Base salary range: 134,909–202,364 CAD per year, depending on experience and level.
• Competitive total rewards package including equity, bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
• Hybrid work model based in Burnaby, British Columbia;
• Inclusive and diverse workplace focused on long-term career growth and impact.
• No third-party candidates accepted.
• D-Wave is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels.