DescriptionPhotonic is looking for a strategic and results-driven hardware leader passionate about advancing innovation.
In this role, you will lead a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary team of managers, team leads and engineers. Your responsibilities include management and technical leadership of Photonic's design and engineering of RF, mixed signal, electro-optic, embedded and high-speed control solutions. Solutions integrate boards, firmware, boxes, and cable harnesses into data-center racks meeting stringent high-availability, high-reliability requirements.
The Director, Hardware Signals & Controls plays a critical role in aligning the department's development roadmap to Photonic's quantum computing requirements and driving execution. This position is responsible for leading and growing the team with a focus on productivity and innovation. The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced, research-driven environment.
Please include a cover letter with your resume (in one file) describing how you would be a great fit at Photonic and what attributes you could bring to our growing team.
WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DOTechnical Leadership

• Lead team of RF, mixed signal, opto-electronic, firmware, and high-speed controls engineers to synthesize department's development roadmap.
• Lead electrical and optical engineering teams to establish expertise across competences, including design, layout, analysis, behavioural models and environmental compatibility testing
• Foster collaboration between Team Leads and Project Management to drive execution of department's deliverables.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align roadmap with corporate objectives.

Development Process

• Ensure projects have the necessary resources, infrastructure, and processes to succeed.
• Enhance workflows and methodologies to accelerate development to meet product cadence.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and optimize development productivity.
• Collaborate with specialist contract manufacturer partners to deliver and engineer complex sub-assemblies.
• Create and mature work instructions for assembly and service sequences in collaboration with R&D Operations team.

Process Optimization & Compliance

• Maintain departmental process workflow and refine with learnings to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure adherence to departmental workflow and project management practices.
• Stimulate intellectual property development and secure protection
• Identify high-value digital transformation initiatives to enhance data-driven decision-making and use of AI.

Financial & Resource Management

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and cost management for department functions.
• Optimize resource allocation to balance innovation with fiscal responsibility.

People & Culture Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing technical teams.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Identify training opportunities to enhance employee skills and productivity.

WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Electronics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in RF engineering, high speed FPGA, optics, and firmware, preferably within an R&D, technology, or innovation-driven environment.
• Proven track record of leading innovative, product-development teams resulting in high volume production, particularly those implementing leading-edge integrated circuit solutions.
• Expertise in design process methodologies (e.g., simulation, progressive prototypes, test, documentation, and issue tracking systems like JIRA).
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry certification practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with technology partners – supply chain providers and customers.
• Familiarity with intellectual property management and technology commercialization.
• Experience in a high-growth or startup environment.

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH US

• Get involved with a quantum startup company set to redefine computing
• Work closely with some of the brightest innovators in quantum technologies
• Enjoy a fast-paced and fun environment where you can try new things while solving innovative challenges every day
• Inclusive company culture
• Competitive salary, benefits (including life insurance, extended health, dental, long term disability, and a flexible spending account), and potential upside

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! We are also 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.