About the role
Are you excited by cutting-edge quantum technology and passionate about building high-performing technical teams? D-Wave is seeking an experienced, technically accomplished, and people-focused Manager or Senior Manager, Quantum Processor Development to help advance the next generation of quantum computing.
You will lead a team of experimental physicists and materials scientists working across quantum processor development in one or more of the following areas:
- Performance, systems integration, and capacity building for mature and prototype quantum annealing processors
- Coherence, noise, and materials in superconducting integrated circuits
- Superconducting device physics
- Gate-model device prototyping and processor scaling
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will combine technical expertise, strategic thinking, and people-focused leadership to deliver results. Reporting to the Senior Director, Processor Development, you will be a key member of the leadership for a team that is creative, driven and highly collaborative and who values continuous, interconnected learning and mutual support. You will partner with Technical Leads, Product Managers, and Program Managers to align people, priorities, and resources across multiple technical programs.
The role will be hired at the Manager or Senior Manager level based on experience, scope, and demonstrated leadership impact.
What you'll do
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 4–8 scientists, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing environment.
- Set clear team goals and priorities aligned with technical programs and the broader product roadmap.
- Build team capability through hiring, onboarding, development, and performance management.
- Plan and allocate people, resources, and budgets to support successful execution.
- Partner across engineering, fabrication, software, product, and program management to drive execution and resolve complex challenges.
- Build an environment that encourages scientific innovation, experimentation, open inquiry, and continuous learning.
- Apply strong technical judgment to guide prioritization, resource allocation, and problem-solving.
- Manage operational risks, competing priorities, and evolving resource needs.
- Contribute to technical reviews, publications, patents, and scientific engagement as appropriate.
- Stay current with relevant scientific, technological, and competitive developments to inform technical priorities and roadmap decisions.
- Help shape the technology, organization, and culture that enable D-Wave's continued innovation in quantum computing.
What you'll bring
- Graduate degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent research experience.
- 8+ years of experience in quantum computing, superconducting circuits, experimental condensed matter physics, or related field.
- 5+ years leading technical or scientific teams in an industrial R&D environment.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across technical and business teams.
- Strong technical background in experimental methods such as cryogenic measurement techniques, RF systems, and control electronics.
- Demonstrated success in coaching, developing, and retaining technical talent.
- Strong judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and competing priorities.
- A leadership approach grounded in inclusion, trust, accountability, curiosity, and continuous learning.
Level expectations
Manager: An independent people leader accountable for the performance, development, and results of their team. You will:
- Translate business and technical priorities into clear team goals, plans, and deliverables.
- Lead and develop individual contributors and/or team leads through coaching, feedback, career planning, and performance management.
- Manage team priorities, resources, operational risks, and execution within your area of responsibility.
- Identify team capabilities, gaps, and opportunities and take action to strengthen the team.
- Solve complex problems within your area of expertise and make sound decisions, escalating broader organizational issues when needed.
- Partner across functions to resolve challenges and deliver one or more technical programs.
- Contribute to technical and organizational priorities while remaining primarily accountable for your team's execution and results.
- Typically gained through 8+ years of relevant experience.
Senior Manager: A senior people leader with broader scope, autonomy, and organizational influence. In addition to the Manager expectations, you will:
- Lead larger or more complex teams, including through other leaders and/or across multiple technical groups.
- Shape departmental priorities and partner with senior leaders on long-term technical, organizational, and workforce strategy.
- Influence technical direction, organizational priorities, resource allocation, investment decisions, and operating models beyond your direct team.
- Lead complex, cross-functional initiatives involving multiple teams, functions, and senior stakeholders.
- Navigate complex or sensitive organizational challenges and drive alignment across competing priorities.
- Anticipate future capability needs and strengthen organizational capability through organizational design, succession planning, and long-term talent development.
- Evaluate emerging scientific, technological, and competitive developments to inform technical strategy and roadmap evolution.
- Make complex, high-impact decisions with broader departmental or organizational implications.
- Typically gained through 10+ years of relevant experience, including demonstrated success leading leaders and/or multiple technical teams.
Bonus points for
- Industry experience in quantum computing or other advanced technology environments.
- Familiarity with device fabrication processes and cryogenic systems integration.
- Expertise in one or more of the team's focus areas, including superconducting device physics, coherence and noise in quantum devices, or integration of complex physical technologies.
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 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:
- Manager: 185,000 - 255,000 CAD pear year (Burnaby)
- Senior Manager: 211,000 - 290,000 CAD per year (Burnaby)