Staff System Architect

We are looking for a Staff System Architect to be fully dedicated to the SNSPD product line, with a strong focus on leading the technical architecture and roadmap for our next-generation rack-mountable SNSPD (Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector) platform. This role is critical to defining and guiding the technical evolution of our cutting-edge cryogenic photon detection systems, ensuring architectural coherence across hardware, software, and integration domains while supporting our product vision and market requirements. In this role, you will be an integral part of the development process for IDQ’s SNSPD platform, with applications across quantum computing, networking, and sensing. You will be at the intersection of quantum photonics, cryogenic systems engineering and embedded systems to create scalable, maintainable architectures for autonomous 24/7 detector operations. You will take ownership of the end-to-end system architecture of the SNSPD platform, ensuring alignment with a shared long-term product vision while translating product requirements into clear system-level designs and specifications. This includes defining system structure, interfaces, and key architectural decisions, as well as driving critical trade-offs across performance, cost, scalability, and integration. You will also align engineering execution with the architectural vision, guiding system integration and resolving complex cross-domain design challenges. In addition, you will play a key role in shaping the technology roadmap and driving the evolution of the platform, continuously evaluating and introducing new technologies where relevant to maintain innovation and competitiveness.

Responsibilities

Lead system architecture, design decisions, and cross-functional alignment to ensure a scalable and high-performing SNSPD platform; Drive technology roadmap, integration, and innovation by evaluating and implementing new technologies; Take ownership of the end-to-end system architecture of the SNSPD platform; Translate product requirements into clear system-level designs and specifications; Define system structure, interfaces, and key architectural decisions; Drive critical trade-offs across performance, cost, scalability, and integration; Align engineering execution with the architectural vision; Guide system integration and resolve complex cross-domain design challenges; Shape the technology roadmap and drive evolution of the platform; Evaluate and introduce new technologies to maintain innovation and competitiveness

Requirements

Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a related field; Over seven years of experience in system architecture or complex system design; Expertise in multi-domain systems, including photonics, cryogenics, electronics, and embedded or software components; Strong system-level thinking; Proven experience in integrating complex technologies into cohesive, high-performing solutions; Strong technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams; Ability to clearly communicate complex system architectures to a wide range of stakeholders; Extensive experience in system architecture and multi-domain integration; Proven technical leadership and communication skills

Nice to have

PhD in a relevant field; 10+ years in senior technical or architectural roles; Experience with SNSPDs, cryogenic, or quantum systems; Experience with industrialized or rack-mountable systems

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans; Matching 401(k); Unlimited PTO and paid holidays; Parental/adoption leave; Legal insurance; Home technology stipend