Job Summary:

System Integration Lead will translate quantum system requirements into an implementable, scalable hardware architecture-and then drive cross-functional integration from concept through build, test, and deployment. This role sits at the intersection of quantum system architecture, photonics/electronics hardware, facilities and infrastructure, and system design engineering. You will be a primary technical integrator and communicator who brings clarity, alignment, and execution discipline to a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities:

• Translate system intent into hardware reality
  • Gather inputs from the Quantum System Architecture team and convert them into an implementable hardware architecture (requirements, interfaces, subsystems, integration plan, verification strategy).
  • Own end-to-end system-level requirements decomposition into subsystem specs (photonics, electronics, thermal, mechanical, controls, firmware/software interfaces, infrastructure).
  • Define and maintain the system architecture baseline as designs evolve-managing changes while protecting system integrity.
• Lead cross-functional integration
  • Coordinate across internal teams including facilities, photonics, electronics, system design engineers, test/validation, packaging, thermal, mechanical, reliability, and other technical leads.
  • Engage external stakeholders and vendors/partners as needed to ensure interface compatibility, delivery alignment, and integration readiness.
  • Drive integration readiness reviews, interface alignment, and subsystem bring-up plans.
• Own interfaces, trade-offs, and decisions
  • Establish and manage ICDs (Interface Control Documents), system block diagrams, integration specifications, and dependency maps.
  • Lead system-level trade studies and decision processes across competing constraints (performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, schedule, facility constraints).
  • Identify integration risks early and own mitigations, contingencies, and escalation paths.
• Build processes that scale
  • Create and continuously improve integration workflows that bring order without slowing innovation (e.g., requirements flow-down, change control, design reviews, configuration management, integration checklists).
  • Establish clear mechanisms for issue tracking, root-cause analysis, lessons learned, and repeatable test/validation practices.
  • Help develop an integration culture that balances rigor with startup agility.
• Communicate clearly and drive alignment
  • Serve as a central communication hub across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Provide concise updates on architecture status, integration risks, schedule impacts, and decision needs.
  • Align teams through clear documentation, structured meetings, and effective stakeholder management.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Education & experience
  • MS in a relevant engineering field (Electronics, Optics, Photonics, EE/CE, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, etc.) with 10+ years of industry experience, or
  • PhD in a similar field with 6+ years of industry experience.
• Technical background
  • Must have demonstrated experience in electronic-photonics systems (mixed-domain integration: optical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, controls).
  • Strong understanding of system integration principles: requirements, interfaces, verification, reliability, and integration/test planning.
• Leadership
  • Prior experience in lead positions (technical lead, system lead, integration lead, or program-facing technical leadership).
  • Track record of driving cross-functional execution and resolving complex technical dependencies.
• Communication
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex technical topics into clear decisions and actionable plans.
• Mindset
  • Strong positive attitude toward change and uncertainty; able to adapt quickly and navigate complex decision-making environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in data-center-scale system integration (large infrastructure, facility constraints, high availability, safety, commissioning, operational readiness).
• Experience integrating systems that span facility + hardware + controls/software, including deployment/commissioning in operational environments.
  • Familiarity with formal systems engineering tools and methods (MBSE, DOORS/Jama, configuration management, structured V&V).

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located. Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

U.S. Base Pay Range

$195,000-$220,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range

$250,000-$260,000 USD