About the role
D-Wave is seeking an experienced Senior Cryogenic Systems Engineer to join the Hardware Engineering Department. In this role, you will help drive the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of the cryogenic systems that power the world's most advanced quantum computers.
Working as part of the Cryogenic Systems team, this role combines deep technical expertise with cross-functional collaboration, interfacing closely with Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Lab Operations, Manufacturing, and Service. You will develop robust engineering solutions, support system integration and commissioning, resolve complex technical challenges, and continuously improve the performance, reliability, and serviceability of D-Wave's cryogenic systems throughout their lifecycle.
What you'll do
- Lead the design, evaluation, testing, and continuous improvement of cryogenic systems and subsystems to improve system performance, reliability, manufacturability, and serviceability.
- Lead complex engineering investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action initiatives for cryogenic system performance, reliability, and operational issues across development and production fleets.
- Design, execute, and interpret experiments to validate new hardware designs, characterize system performance, and guide future engineering decisions.
- Develop engineering solutions spanning mechanical, cryogenic, vacuum, gas handling, thermal, magnetic, electrical, and system control disciplines.
- Partner with the Service team to support installation, commissioning, maintenance, upgrades, and field issue resolution while incorporating operational feedback into future product designs.
- Develop and maintain engineering documentation including specifications, test plans, operating procedures, design reviews, risk assessments, engineering analyses, and best practices.
- Lead technical projects from concept through implementation while coordinating work across multiple engineering disciplines and stakeholders.
- Mentor junior engineers and technical staff by providing technical guidance, sharing best practices, reviewing designs, and supporting professional development.
- Collaborate across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Service to improve product quality, manufacturing readiness, operational efficiency, and long-term fleet reliability.
- Identify opportunities for innovation and contribute to the development of intellectual property that advances D-Wave's cryogenic technologies.
About you
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
- 5+ years of professional experience designing, developing, testing, or supporting complex cryogenic systems, dilution refrigerators, cryostats, or comparable ultra-low temperature systems.
- Experience leading technically complex engineering projects with minimal supervision while delivering high-quality results.
- Experience troubleshooting complex electro-mechanical systems using structured engineering and root cause analysis methodologies.
- Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines to deliver complex hardware systems from concept through production.
- Strong understanding of thermal systems, high vacuum systems, cryogenic instrumentation, mechanical design, and system integration.
- Experience developing engineering documentation, technical procedures, specifications, design standards, and test plans.
- Ability to influence technical decisions, mentor less experienced engineers, and promote engineering best practices.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
- Sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while balancing technical excellence with business objectives.
Bonus
- Experience designing or supporting dilution refrigerators or millikelvin cryogenic systems.
- Experience with quantum computing hardware or scientific instrumentation.
- Experience with finite element analysis (FEA), thermal modelling, or cryogenic system simulation.
- Experience supporting field installations, commissioning, or customer-facing engineering activities.
- Current or eligible registration as an EIT or P.Eng. with EGBC.
- Experience contributing to patents or other forms of intellectual property.
Additional Requirements
- Participation in a rotating on-call schedule is required. This role requires flexibility to work outside of regular business hours as needed to support critical system issues and operational priorities.
- Ability to travel up to approximately 10% to customer sites across North America and Europe.
A D-Waver's DNA
- We look at the future and say “why not”; we see possibilities where others see problems or routines. We show the way ahead and are committed to achieving ambitious goals.
- We practice straight talk and listen generously to each other with empathy. We value different opinions and points of views. We ensure that we connect outside as well as inside to learn from others and inspire each other.
- We hold ourselves accountable for delivering results. We make decisions & take responsibility so that we can act & support each other.
- As leaders we motivate & engage our teams to undertake beyond what they originally thought possible, by developing our teams & creating the conditions for people to grow and empower themselves through enabling & coaching.
Our Compensation Philosophy is Simple but Powerful:
We believe providing D-Wavers with company ownership, competitive pay, and a range of meaningful benefits is the start of creating a culture where people want to give the best they’ve got — not because they’re simply making money, but because they’ve fallen in love with our vision, mission, values, and team.
During the interview process, your Recruiter will review our total rewards (base, equity, bonus, perks, benefit, culture) offerings. The final offer is determined by your proficiencies within this level.
Inclusion:
We celebrate diverse perspectives to drive innovation in our pursuit. Our employees range from distinguished domain experts with decades of experience in their respective fields, to bright and motivated graduates eager to make their mark. Our diverse and innovative team will make you feel appreciated, supported and empower your career growth at D-Wave.
The Fine Print:
No 3rd party candidates will be accepted
It is D-Wave Systems Inc. policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, local law.
The base pay range for this role is:
133,000 - 183,000 CAD per year (Burnaby)