D-Wave Systems

Cryogenic RF Engineer (Intermediate or Senior)

D-Wave Systems$104K — $183K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
  • Strong knowledge of RF/microwave engineering principles and signal integrity.
  • Experience using RF test equipment including vector network analyzers and oscilloscopes.
  • Proficiency with EM simulation, circuit simulation, and PCB design tools.
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping and troubleshooting RF hardware.

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize cryogenic RF networks and related hardware.
  • Model and analyze RF performance using measurement tools.
  • Develop validation plans and troubleshoot technical issues in lab settings.
  • Select suitable materials and manufacturing methods for cryogenic environments.
  • Collaborate with scientists and engineers to integrate RF systems into quantum computing platforms.
  • Engage with vendors to assist in prototype and production efforts.
  • Drive continuous improvement in RF design and testing methodologies.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on pioneering technology in quantum computing.
  • Collaborative environment with cross-disciplinary teams.
  • Support for professional development and continuous learning.
  • Access to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
  • Ownership and equity options as part of compensation.
Full Job Description
About the role

D-Wave is seeking a Cryogenic Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer to join our Electrical Engineering team to develop cutting-edge cryogenic RF systems for quantum computing. In this role, you will collaborate with quantum processor scientists, superconducting IC designers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, test, characterize, and optimize cryogenic RF hardware that enables next-generation quantum computers.

Depending on your experience and demonstrated expertise, you will contribute as either an Intermediate or Senior Engineer. The successful candidate will be hired at the level that best aligns with their qualifications, experience, and technical impact.

What you'll do

  • Design, develop, test, and characterize cryogenic RF networks, including transmission lines, filters, interconnects, and related hardware.
  • Model, simulate, analyze, and optimize RF performance using measurement and simulation tools.
  • Develop validation plans, perform laboratory testing, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement design improvements.
  • Select materials and manufacturing approaches for PCBs, flexible cables, and interconnects operating in cryogenic environments.
  • Collaborate with scientists, IC designers, and cross-functional engineering teams to integrate RF systems into quantum computing platforms.
  • Partner with external vendors to support prototype development and production activities.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of RF designs, test methodologies, and engineering processes.

About you

  • Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field with relevant industry, research, or equivalent experience.
  • Strong knowledge of RF/microwave engineering, including passive devices, transmission line theory, S-parameters, and signal integrity.
  • Experience with RF test equipment, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, arbitrary waveform generators, and time-domain reflectometers.
  • Experience with EM simulation, circuit simulation, and PCB design tools (e.g., HFSS, ADS, Altium, QUCS, KiCAD).
  • Hands-on experience prototyping, debugging, and troubleshooting RF hardware and PCB assemblies.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills

Bonus qualifications

  • Experience with cryogenic systems and low-temperature measurements.
  • Knowledge of superconducting materials and superconducting circuit design.
  • Understanding of RF noise analysis and modeling.
  • Programming experience (Python, Julia, C/C++, or similar).

Level expectations

Intermediate Engineer II

You are developing expertise in cryogenic RF engineering and contribute to the design, testing, and optimization of RF hardware. You independently complete routine work, solve moderately complex technical problems, and contribute to project deliverables while receiving guidance on new or larger initiatives.

  • Contribute to the design, testing, characterization, and troubleshooting of cryogenic RF systems.
  • Execute defined technical workstreams with moderate independence.
  • Analyze technical problems and recommend solutions with support from senior engineers when needed.
  • Collaborate effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Continuously expand technical expertise while contributing to process and design improvements.

Senior Engineer

You are an experienced RF engineer who independently leads technical work, solves complex engineering challenges, and influences RF system design. You provide technical leadership across projects while mentoring others and driving continuous improvement.

  • Lead the design, development, validation, and optimization of cryogenic RF hardware and subsystems.
  • Independently manage projects of moderate complexity and make sound technical decisions within project scope.
  • Drive root cause investigations, design improvements, and engineering best practices.
  • Collaborate across teams to influence technical direction and system architecture.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical knowledge sharing across the organization.

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 base pay range for this role is:

  • Intermediate: 104,000 - 143,000 CAD per year (Burnaby)
  • Senior: 133,000 - 183,000 CAD per year (Burnaby)

About D-Wave Systems

D-Wave Systems is a quantum computing company that designs and manufactures quantum computers and provides quantum computing services. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. D-Wave's quantum computers are used by government, commercial, and academic customers to solve complex problems in fields such as optimization, machine learning, and cybersecurity. The company's flagship product is the D-Wave 2000Q, a 2048-qubit quantum computer. D-Wave has raised over $200 million in funding from investors including Goldman Sachs and Bezos Expeditions.
Learn more about D-Wave Systems
Size
200 employees
Industry
Founded
1999

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