Integrated Photonics Design Manager - 819

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Integrated Photonics Design Manager
Company: Quantinuum
Location: Broomfield, CO or Albuquerque, NM, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Engineering / Science & Research / Management & Leadership
Date Posted: May 12, 2026
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of engineers and scientists focused on the conceptualization, design, and development of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for advanced quantum computing systems.
• Drive the strategic direction and execution of optical R&D initiatives, from initial concept through rigorous design validation and multi-year project lifecycles.
• Foster a high-performance R&D environment by implementing best practices in quality assurance, requirements management, and process adherence.
• Champion the career development of direct-reporting technical staff through effective mentoring, coaching, and targeted training programs.
• Proactively identify and integrate key technologies, innovations, and infrastructure improvements to enhance PIC design and development capabilities, aligning with critical business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges technical leadership in a highly specialized engineering field (Integrated Photonics) with essential people management responsibilities, emphasizing strategic R&D execution and talent development within the cutting-edge quantum computing industry. The focus on "concept to production" implies a need for understanding the entire product lifecycle from an operations perspective.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage personnel for a team of engineers and scientists dedicated to conceptualizing and executing PIC designs and development for quantum computing systems.
• Collaborate with technical staff to develop photonic roadmaps, drive technology development, and execute advanced R&D activities.
• Guide and coordinate optical R&D efforts from concept through design validations for multi-year photonic projects, ensuring alignment with project milestones and deliverables.
• Plan and nurture the career development of direct-reporting engineers and scientists through effective mentoring, coaching, and structured training programs.
• Implement and enforce best practices and behaviors within the R&D environment to ensure high quality standards and rigorous adherence to technical requirements.
• Identify key technologies, innovations, infrastructure, projects, and resources necessary to elevate photonic design and development capabilities to meet evolving business needs.
• Lead recruitment and retention efforts for high-performing technical PIC design staff, building a robust and skilled team.
• Communicate effectively and clearly to positively influence team dynamics, actively listen to team members, and strengthen communication channels between technical and management levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical leadership in integrated photonics design and direct people management. This includes strategic planning (roadmaps, R&D), process implementation (best practices, quality), and talent management (career development, recruiting). The emphasis on "concept through validation" and "multi-year projects" suggests a need for strong project management and long-term strategic vision within the R&D operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree minimum; Masters or Ph.D. in Photonics, Optics, or Applied Physics strongly preferred.
Experience: Minimum 8 years of industry experience in developing and designing PIC solutions; Minimum 3 years of experience managing technical teams; Extensive involvement in photonics design projects from concept through production.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in the development and design of Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) solutions.
• Demonstrated ability in technical team management, including performance management, mentorship, and career development.
• Comprehensive understanding and practical application of photonic simulation tools such as Lumerical, Tidy3D, RSoft, or similar guided mode and FDTD solvers.
• Proficiency with photonic layout tools like Klayout, GDSFactory, or similar platforms for chip design.
• Experience guiding PIC projects through the entire lifecycle, from initial concept generation to final production readiness.
• Strong understanding of R&D processes, including technology development roadmapping and advanced research initiatives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage technical and management stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• 4+ years of experience specifically with the design of photonic waveguide structures, splitters, couplers, gratings, and active photonic components.
• 4+ years of experience leading integrated photonic designs through all stages: requirements definition, design, layout, fabrication, and testing.
• Experience managing technical teams distributed across multiple geographic locations.
• In-depth knowledge of integrated photonic circuit fabrication processes, testing methodologies, and associated tools.
• Familiarity with photonic materials, their optical and physical behaviors, and relevant metrology techniques.
• Experience developing internal PIC design tools and infrastructure to improve development efficiency and output quality.
• Skill in executing engineering trade studies and effectively collaborating with other engineering disciplines to define roadmaps and solutions.
• Experience working with a broad range of wavelengths, from UV to Infrared.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize deep technical expertise in PIC design coupled with substantial management experience. The explicit mention of specific simulation and layout tools points to the need for candidates to have hands-on familiarity or a strong understanding of their application in an R&D context. The "US Person" requirement is a critical compliance factor.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two distinct PIC design projects, demonstrating a clear progression from initial concept and requirements gathering to successful design, validation, and ideally, fabrication.
• Provide detailed case studies that illustrate problem-solving approaches, design trade-offs considered, and the rationale behind key technical decisions made during the design phase.
• Include examples of utilizing photonic simulation and layout tools, highlighting the outputs and how they informed design iterations and decision-making.
• Present evidence of managing or significantly contributing to the development of R&D roadmaps or technology development plans within a team setting.
• Demonstrate experience with implementing and adhering to R&D best practices, quality assurance measures, or process improvements within a technical team context.

Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for PIC design, including requirements definition, simulation setup, layout generation, and design rule checking (DRC).
• Examples of process documentation for managing R&D projects, including phase gates, milestone tracking, and risk management.
• Evidence of creating or contributing to the development of photonic materials characterization or device testing protocols.
• Documentation illustrating the implementation of quality control measures or process improvements within an engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the nature of the role and its responsibilities strongly implies that candidates will need to present evidence of their technical and leadership capabilities. This section infers typical operations-style portfolio expectations for a design management role, focusing on process, methodology, and tangible project outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $180,000 - $225,000 annually.
Benefits:

• Incentive Eligible (Bonus target included in the posted range).
• Flexible work schedule.
• Employer-subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) match for student loan repayment benefit.
• Equity participation.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• 12 Paid holidays.
• Generous vacation time.
• Sick time.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee discounts.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility noted.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and includes bonus potential, which is common for management roles. The benefits package is comprehensive, with several unique offerings like the 401(k) match for student loan repayment and equity, indicating a strong focus on employee well-being and long-term investment. The "flexible work schedule" is a key benefit for operations professionals seeking work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Quantum Computing. Quantinuum is a leader in this transformative field, aiming to accelerate practical quantum computing and scale its impact across various industries.
Company Size: Over 650 employees globally (as of the provided description), with over 400+ scientists and engineers. This indicates a significant, well-established, and research-intensive organization.
Founded: Quantinuum is a relatively new entity formed from the merger of Honeywell Quantum Solutions and Cambridge Quantum. This fusion brings together deep hardware expertise and advanced software capabilities, driving their integrated full-stack approach.

Team Structure:

• The Integrated Photonics team is comprised of engineers and scientists focused on PIC design and development for quantum computing.
• This role manages direct reports and collaborates with other technical staff, implying a matrixed structure where individual contributors report to this manager, and this manager reports to higher-level R&D or engineering leadership.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with software teams, hardware integration specialists, and potentially external fabrication partners.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is crucial, particularly in R&D and design validation.
• Emphasis on an integrated full-stack approach, suggesting close coordination between hardware (PICs) and software development.
• Focus on innovation, pushing technological limits, and accelerating the path to practical quantum solutions.

Company Website: quantinuum.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Quantinuum is positioned at the forefront of quantum computing, a rapidly evolving and highly specialized industry. The company culture likely fosters innovation, scientific rigor, and a collaborative spirit, essential for tackling complex R&D challenges. The size and global presence suggest a structured environment with opportunities for diverse interaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management role, overseeing a critical technical function (Integrated Photonics Design) within the R&D division. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise and proven leadership capabilities. The scope involves managing a team, influencing R&D roadmaps, and contributing to the company's core technology development for quantum computing.
Reporting Structure: The manager will likely report to a Director or VP of Engineering/R&D, with direct reports being individual contributor engineers and scientists specializing in PIC design. This structure allows for focused technical leadership while integrating into broader organizational strategies.
Operations Impact: The Integrated Photonics Design Manager directly influences the performance, scalability, and reliability of Quantinuum's quantum computing hardware. Their strategic decisions regarding technology development, design processes, and team capabilities are fundamental to the company's ability to deliver on its quantum computing roadmap and achieve commercial viability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to lead even larger or more complex PIC design initiatives, potentially expanding into new areas of quantum hardware or advanced photonic technologies.
• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher-level R&D management roles, overseeing broader engineering functions or entire product lines, or taking on strategic technical advisor roles.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead cross-departmental initiatives, bridging the gap between hardware design, software development, and product integration, thereby gaining broader business context.
• Industry Influence: Contribute to the advancement of the quantum computing industry through publications, conference presentations, and thought leadership in integrated photonics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within a high-impact, cutting-edge industry. The combination of technical depth and management responsibility provides a strong foundation for career progression into senior leadership or highly specialized technical expert roles within the quantum technology sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a primary work location within a Quantinuum facility in Broomfield, CO, or Albuquerque, NM. This suggests a collaborative lab and office environment.
Office Location(s): Broomfield, Colorado, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. These locations offer access to talent pools and potentially regional technology ecosystems relevant to advanced engineering and research.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be a blend of office space for management, design work, and collaboration, alongside laboratory facilities for R&D, prototyping, and testing of photonic integrated circuits.
• Access to specialized design software (Lumerical, Klayout, etc.) and potentially advanced fabrication and metrology equipment will be integral to the daily workflow.
• Opportunities for close interaction with a team of highly skilled scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is indicated, with an acknowledgement of "flexible work schedule" benefits, suggesting some adaptability for work-life balance while maintaining on-site presence and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for a role involving hands-on management of R&D, design, and potentially lab access. The work environment will be highly technical and collaborative, demanding close interaction with specialized equipment and expert personnel.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion about technical experience in PIC design, leadership philosophy, team management strategies, and R&D project execution. Expect questions about how you've handled past team challenges and successes.
• Technical Panel Interview: A series of interviews with senior engineers, scientists, and potentially peers from other departments. This will focus on deep technical knowledge of photonics, simulation/layout tools, fabrication processes, and problem-solving scenarios.
• Portfolio Review/Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present detailed case studies of past PIC design projects, showcasing their technical contributions, leadership impact, and understanding of R&D operations. This is where demonstrating process understanding and quantifiable results is key.
• Executive/Senior Leadership Interview: Final round to assess strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall executive presence.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key projects. For each, clearly state the problem, your role (especially leadership responsibilities), the technical solutions implemented (including tools used), challenges overcome, and quantifiable results (e.g., performance improvements, cost savings, efficiency gains).
• Highlight Leadership: For this management role, emphasize instances where you mentored team members, improved team processes, resolved conflicts, or drove strategic initiatives that benefited the team's output.
• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific simulation (Lumerical, Tidy3D, RSoft) and layout (Klayout, GDSFactory) tools. Explain how you leveraged these tools for design validation, optimization, and problem-solving.
• Process Focus: Demonstrate understanding of the PIC design lifecycle from concept to production, including fabrication and testing. Explain how you ensured quality, managed requirements, and implemented best practices within your teams.
• Quantinuum Alignment: Tailor your examples to showcase alignment with Quantinuum's mission in quantum computing and their integrated full-stack approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Case Study: Be prepared for a technical challenge that might involve analyzing a hypothetical PIC design problem, proposing solutions, or outlining a strategy for a new R&D initiative. Focus on your logical thinking, problem-solving methodology, and ability to articulate technical details.
• Management Scenario: Expect questions about how you would handle common team management situations (e.g., underperforming employee, conflicting technical opinions, resource allocation challenges). Frame your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Strategic Thinking: Be ready to discuss your approach to developing R&D roadmaps, identifying key technologies, and fostering innovation within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical depth and leadership capabilities. A strong, well-prepared portfolio is essential for this role, serving as concrete evidence of past performance and future potential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Photonic Simulation Software: Lumerical, Tidy3D, RSoft, or similar guided mode and FDTD solvers. Proficiency in these is crucial for design validation, performance prediction, and optimization.
• Photonic Layout Tools: Klayout, GDSFactory, or similar platforms. Essential for translating designs into fabrication-ready layouts and ensuring design rule compliance.
• Integrated Photonics Design Platforms: Likely encompasses a suite of tools for schematic capture, layout, simulation, and design rule checking (DRC) specific to PICs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Tracking Tools: While not explicitly listed, tools for tracking project progress, team performance metrics, and R&D KPIs would be expected for a management role.
• Data Visualization Tools: Potentially used for presenting R&D progress, design validation results, and team performance to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, or similar for managing R&D projects, tasks, and workflows.
• Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for real-time team communication and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical tools for PIC design are explicitly mentioned. For a management role, proficiency extends beyond just using these tools to understanding how to deploy them effectively, manage their integration into workflows, and leverage their outputs for strategic decision-making and team performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A core value driving the company's mission in quantum computing, encouraging creative problem-solving and pushing technological boundaries.
• Excellence: A commitment to high standards in design, R&D execution, and product delivery, essential for success in a highly competitive and technical field.
• Collaboration: Fostering an environment where engineers and scientists work together effectively across disciplines and locations to achieve shared goals.
• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all aspects of research, development, and business operations.
• Impact: A focus on delivering tangible results that advance the field of quantum computing and create significant value.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Strong emphasis on seamless collaboration between photonics design, quantum software development, and hardware integration teams.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages open communication, peer review, and the sharing of technical insights and best practices.
• Process Improvement Focus: Encouraging teams to continuously evaluate and refine their design, development, and R&D processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Quantinuum's culture is likely to be highly technical, research-oriented, and driven by a shared mission. For operations professionals, understanding and aligning with these values—especially around innovation, excellence, and collaboration—will be key to success and integration within the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: The quantum computing field is evolving at an unprecedented pace, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies, methodologies, and tools in integrated photonics.
• Complexity of PIC Design for Quantum: Designing PICs for quantum applications involves intricate physics, stringent performance requirements, and novel component architectures that push the limits of current fabrication capabilities.
• Managing Distributed Teams: If managing across multiple locations, coordinating efforts, fostering team cohesion, and ensuring consistent application of standards can be challenging.
• Balancing R&D vs. Production: Effectively managing the transition of PIC designs from early-stage R&D to scalable production while meeting performance, cost, and timeline targets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Photonics & Quantum Technologies: Deepen expertise in cutting-edge areas of integrated photonics relevant to quantum computing, quantum sensing, or other advanced applications.
• Leadership and Management Skills: Access to executive coaching, leadership training programs, and opportunities to hone skills in strategic planning, team building, and stakeholder management.
• Industry Conferences and Publications: Opportunities to attend leading photonics and quantum computing conferences, present research, and contribute to the scientific community.
• Mentorship Programs: Engage with senior leaders and experts within Quantinuum for guidance on career progression and technical development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to the pioneering nature of quantum computing and the complexity of integrated photonics. However, these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities for professionals seeking to make a significant impact and advance their careers in a highly innovative sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you develop a 3-year technology roadmap for integrated photonics design at Quantinuum, considering our quantum computing objectives?" (Focus on process for identifying key technologies, R&D priorities, and resource allocation.)
• "Describe a situation where you had to resolve a significant technical disagreement within your team about a PIC design approach. What was your strategy?" (Demonstrate conflict resolution, technical judgment, and communication skills.)
• "How do you ensure that R&D efforts translate into practical, manufacturable PIC designs that meet business needs?" (Highlight your understanding of the design-to-production lifecycle and process integration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Quantinuum's mission in quantum computing, and how does your expertise in integrated photonics contribute to it?" (Showcase research into the company and alignment with its goals.)
• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within a technical R&D team?" (Discuss your leadership style and experience building high-performing teams.)
• "How do you measure the success and impact of your team's work on Quantinuum's overall objectives?" (Focus on metrics, KPIs, and ROI demonstration for R&D efforts.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Everything: For each project presented, use specific metrics to illustrate success. Instead of "improved performance," use "achieved a 15% reduction in insertion loss" or "enabled a 2x increase in data throughput."
• Showcase Leadership: Clearly delineate your management actions from individual technical contributions. Highlight how you guided team efforts, made strategic decisions, and facilitated the team's success.
• Tool Proficiency Context: When discussing simulation or layout tools, explain why you chose a particular tool or technique and how it contributed to solving a specific design challenge or achieving a performance target.
• Process Flow Visualization: Consider using simple diagrams to illustrate your design or R&D processes. This visually communicates your understanding of workflows and how you ensure efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for this interview requires a strong understanding of both the technical intricacies of integrated photonics and the strategic demands of managing a cutting-edge R&D team. Demonstrating how your operations-oriented approach drives technical success will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Integrated Photonics Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.eu.lever.co.
• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in PIC design, technical team management, R&D leadership, and your proficiency with specific simulation and layout tools (Lumerical, Klayout, etc.). Quantify achievements with data where possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that showcase your technical design expertise, leadership impact, and understanding of the PIC development lifecycle from concept to production. Be ready to present these with a focus on process, methodology, and results.
• Research Quantinuum: Understand their mission in quantum computing, their integrated full-stack approach, and recent achievements. Prepare to discuss how your role and team’s work directly contribute to these strategic goals.
• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common behavioral, technical, and situational questions, particularly those related to managing technical teams, driving R&D initiatives, and problem-solving in complex design environments.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.