Company Description

Quantum Recon is a pioneering company at the forefront of quantum computing innovation. Backed by a skilled multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and developers, we focus on overcoming the critical noise and packing density challenges facing next-generation quantum computing systems.

Our cutting-edge quantum photonic I/O system offers superior performance and cost efficiency, aiming to transform quantum computing into a practical, scalable, and commercially viable technology. We are committed to driving progress across the quantum landscape, building solutions that facilitate true quantum advantage for businesses and research institutions worldwide.

The Problem You Will Help Us Solve

Currently, quantum processors suffer from an I/O bottleneck caused by coaxial wiring, which introduces heat, consumes cryostat space, and increases system complexity and cost. Our photonic I/O solution directly addresses this by reducing cryogenic power dissipation, increasing bandwidth and reliability, and lowering the system's footprint. By fundamentally decoupling the cost and heat of I/O from the qubit count, our ultimate goal is to enable control and readout architectures capable of scaling to the millions of qubits required for achieving error-corrected, fault-tolerant quantum computation.

Role Description

Quantum Recon is seeking an experienced Lead Scientist to spearhead the development of advanced photonic devices and packaging solutions optimized for cryogenic temperatures. In this role, you will work closely with a hardware team specializing in photonic integrated circuits (PICs), quantum technologies, and systems engineering to develop scalable optical interconnect solutions for next-generation quantum computing and sensing applications.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and optimization of cryogenic-compatible photonic and optoelectronic subsystems, including optical-to-microwave conversion modules.
Lead the development of low-loss optical coupling and integration strategies, including photonic wirebonding, cryogenic lens-based coupling, and advanced fiber-to-chip interfaces.
Lead the design of RF-aware packaging architectures, ensuring impedance matching, bandwidth preservation, signal integrity, and low-noise operation.
Lead thermal, mechanical, and reliability analysis of packaged photonic systems operating within dilution refrigerators and other cryogenic environments.
Lead experimental characterization and validation of photonic and optoelectronic systems at both room temperature and cryogenic temperatures, including optical and microwave measurements.
Drive system-level architecture development, including multiplexing strategies, channel-density optimization, and scalable photonic interconnect solutions.
Define technical roadmaps, identify high-value applications, and contribute to intellectual property generation, technology strategy, and commercialization planning.
Mentor and guide technical staff, fostering excellence in device development, packaging, testing, and system integration.

Qualifications

Strong background in cryogenics and photonics, including experience with cryogenic optical setups, photonic devices, and low-noise measurement techniques.
Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline, or equivalent advanced industrial experience in a relevant field.
Extensive experience in photonic device development, photonic integrated circuits, optoelectronics, or advanced packaging technologies.
Demonstrated expertise in optical coupling, photonic packaging, RF/microwave design, or cryogenic system development.
Strong understanding of system-level photonic architectures and scalability considerations.
Expertise in experimental physics or engineering (e.g., quantum optics, quantum information, microwave photonics, or related fields) with a track record of leading complex lab-based projects.
Proficiency with modeling and simulation tools for photonic and electromagnetic structures (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical, HFSS, or similar) and data analysis environments (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
Hands-on skills in laboratory instrumentation, including cryostats, optical alignment, RF/microwave equipment, and automated data acquisition.
Experience in quantum computing, quantum hardware, quantum networking, or cryogenic electronics is considered a strong asset.
Track record of technical leadership, project execution, and intellectual property development.
Experience guiding multidisciplinary teams, mentoring junior team members, and coordinating work across research, engineering, and manufacturing functions.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to document designs and experiments clearly and to present technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Comfort working full-time on-site in a laboratory setting, with a focus on safe practices and rigorous experimental standards.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $100,000–$150,000, depending on qualifications, experience, and level of responsibility. Candidates with postdoctoral or relevant industry experience will be considered for higher compensation within this range. This position includes eligibility and consideration for our Employee Stock Option Plan, allowing you to directly share in the long-term success and growth of Quantum Recon.

A Note on Qualifications

As we are working in a novel, rapidly evolving domain, we understand that no candidate will meet every single qualification perfectly. We deeply value potential, creativity, and diverse technical backgrounds over a rigid checklist. If you are excited about our photonic interconnect technology and feel you bring most of these skills to the table, we strongly encourage you to apply.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to nicola@quantumrecon.ca.

Quantum Recon

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Lead Scientist - Cryogenic Photonic Systems