D-Wave (NYSE: QBTS), D-Wave is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services. We are the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, and the only company building both annealing and gate-model quantum computers. Our mission is to help customers realize the value of quantum, today. Our quantum computers — the world’s largest — feature QPUs with sub-second response times and can be deployed on-premises or accessed through our quantum cloud service, which offers 99.9% availability and uptime. More than 100 organizations trust D-Wave with their toughest computational challenges. With over 200 million problems submitted to our quantum systems to date, our customers apply our technology to address use cases spanning optimization, artificial intelligence, research and more. Learn more about realizing the value of quantum computing today and how we’re shaping the quantum-driven industrial and societal advancements of tomorrow: www.dwavequantum.com.

You can read more about our company and our innovations in the pages of The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Fast Company, MIT Technology Review, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Wired and across many whitepapers. 

At D-Wave, we’re helping customers realize the value of quantum computing today and are shaping the quantum-driven industrial and societal advancements of tomorrow.

About the role

D-Wave is seeking a Staff Superconducting Integrated Circuit (IC) Designer to join our IC Design team, which develops the superconducting chips at the core of our quantum computers. These highly complex circuits require advanced, customized electronic design automation (EDA) tools and workflows. 

In this role, you will work with designers and scientists across the Processor Development (PD) group to advance superconducting qubit and processor technologies. Responsibilities include designing and optimizing superconducting devices such as Josephson junctions, SQUIDs, SFQ gates, QFPs, resonators, and qubits; improving the EDA toolchain; developing novel device concepts and enhancements; and mitigating performance impacts from packaging, I/O, electronics, and cryogenic environments. 

As a senior technical leader, you will help shape IC design strategy, provide technical direction, and mentor engineers across teams. Experience in quantum or superconducting circuits is preferred, though related experience in RFIC design, analog IC design, or silicon photonics is also valued. 

The IC Design team is part of the PD group advancing our quantum computing hardware, and your work will directly influence our processor architecture and capabilities. 

What you'll do

• Create superconducting integrated circuit layouts at scale. 

• Use analytical or numerical models and simulations to represent and understand devices. 

• Work with custom software infrastructure for superconducting IC design. 

• Drive strategic improvements in IC designs as technology and requirements evolve. 

• Identify and resolve architectural or systemic limitations in our designs. 

• Set direction on design development and processes, balancing technical and project constraints. 

• Mentor across teams and provide deep technical leadership. 

• Verify designs for correctness and manufacturability. 

• Document IC designs, communicate with colleagues about them, including across team boundaries. 

• Debug challenging technical issues that arise in your own work or those of colleagues. 

Required

• A post-secondary degree in electronic engineering, physics, computer science, or a related field.  

• A graduate degree with relevant specialization and 6+ years of experience, or an undergraduate degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.  

• Significant experience in industrial or commercial environments.  

• Proven leadership in large-scale IC design and optimization.  

• Experience mentoring engineers in highly technical environments.  

• Strong understanding of applied electromagnetic theory.  

• Strong programming skills and experience collaborating on shared codebases.  

• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences. 

 Bonus Skills (Nice to Have): 

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:  

• Superconducting ICs  

• Qubit design or qubit control  

• EDA software development and customization  

• RF and microwave IC design  

• Experience with Quantum-mechanical modeling of superconducting devices  

• Experience with tools such as Ansys EDA, Keysight ADS, Cadence EDA tools, Comsol, SUN Magnetics modeling tools, or WRspice.  

• Strong understanding of IC verification tools and EDA workflow complexity.  

• Proficiency in multiple programming languages, particularly Common Lisp, Python, and Cadence SKILL. 

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:

168,000 - 230,000 CAD per year (Burnaby)