About the role

D-Wave is seeking an experienced Vice President of Systems Engineering to build and lead a world-class Systems Engineering organization supporting our Gate Model Quantum Computing program. In this leadership role, you will define the systems engineering strategy, architecture, integration, and technical execution required to deliver scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing systems.

You will lead the organization responsible for ensuring the Quantum Processing Unit (QPU), control electronics, cryogenic systems, calibration software, runtime software, cloud services, and system monitoring operate as a single, integrated platform that meets product, performance, and reliability objectives.

Working closely with Product Management, Research, Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, and Executive Leadership, you will establish the engineering processes, technical governance, and organizational capabilities needed to transform breakthrough quantum technology into commercial products.

What you'll do

• Define and execute the Systems Engineering vision, strategy, and roadmap supporting D-Wave's Gate Model Quantum Computing platform

• Establish and continuously improve systems engineering processes, architecture governance, requirements management, verification, validation, and technical readiness practices across the organization

• Partner with Product Management to translate customer and business requirements into achievable product specifications and integrated system architectures

• Own the end-to-end system architecture, including decomposition of system requirements into subsystem requirements, interfaces, and verification strategies across the QPU, cryogenic systems, control electronics, calibration software, runtime software, and LEAP Quantum Cloud Service

• Lead cross-functional system integration, verification, validation, and technical execution to ensure delivery of highly integrated quantum computing platforms

• Drive resolution of complex system-level trade-offs while balancing technical performance, schedule, risk, manufacturability, and product objectives

• Build strong partnerships across physics, hardware, software, product management, manufacturing, and operations to ensure alignment throughout the development lifecycle

• Build, lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing Systems Engineering organization, including engineering managers and senior technical leaders

• Develop organizational capabilities, engineering standards, and technical governance that enable scalable product development across multiple generations of quantum computing systems

• Represent Systems Engineering as a senior technical leader with executive leadership, customers, strategic partners, and external stakeholders

About You

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline

• 15+ years of progressive systems engineering experience leading development of complex hardware and software products involving advanced technologies

• 10+ years leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations delivering integrated technical systems

• Demonstrated success defining system architectures and delivering large-scale products from concept through commercialization

• Extensive experience in systems engineering disciplines including architecture, requirements management, interface definition, system integration, verification, and validation

• Proven ability to build, mentor, and lead engineering managers and highly technical multidisciplinary teams

• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and executive leadership skills with the ability to align diverse technical organizations around common objectives

• Demonstrated experience driving technical strategy while balancing engineering excellence, product delivery, schedule, and organizational priorities

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:

$247,000- 460,000 USD