Summary We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to play a critical role in aligning engineering execution with scientific and machine-level progress in the development of large-scale quantum computers. This role sits at the intersection of quantum science, hardware engineering, and control software , with a primary mission to make the system coherent, buildable, and integrable as it evolves.

Requirements

in quantum computing are discovered through experimentation , not defined upfront. Success in this role requires deep collaboration with scientists, rapid learning, and the ability to introduce structure only where it accelerates progress . , aerospace, EVs, robotics, advanced instrumentation) and is motivated to apply systems engineering rigor in a learning-driven R D environment , pairing closely with internal quantum experts.

This is a technical leadership role with broad influence across teams. Authority comes from clarity, usefulness, and trust — not from gatekeeping or heavy process.

, and architectural decisions. 2.

Co-Evolution Traceability Facilitate the co-evolution of system

as the machine progresses: Start with lightweight, provisional

Explicitly document uncertainty, assumptions, and open questions Refine

as experimental results and understanding improve Translate scientific goals (e.g., performance, stability, operability) into actionable engineering

while preserving necessary flexibility.

engineering deliverables (e.g., JIRA epics) Ensure engineers understand the intent behind

, not just the wording. 3. System Architecture Integration Leadership Develop and maintain a living system architecture covering: quantum hardware control electronics and firmware control software and orchestration layers Produce clear, accessible architecture diagrams that reflect reality and evolve with the system.

Identify missing architectural elements, poorly defined interfaces, and integration risks early. Lead system-level trade studies and technical decision-making in partnership with engineering and scientific leaders. Ensure architecture reflects machine milestones and not just organizational boundaries.

4. Integration, Test Strategy, and Machine Protection Define and drive a system integration and test strategy appropriate for an evolving R D machine. Help ensure engineering testbeds match machine configurations as closely as possible.

Push integration testing upstream so that machines are not used as primary test platforms. Partner with engineering teams to define validation criteria tied to real machine behavior. Reduce burden on lab teams by improving pre-deployment testing and integration readiness.

Responsibilities

1. System Understanding Through Scientific Partnership Work closely and continuously with quantum scientists to understand how the machine is actually operated, tuned, and debugged in practice. Spend significant time in the lab, observing experiments and participating in scientific discussions to absorb tacit system knowledge.

Treat scientists as primary system knowledge holders , approaching requirement gathering as a learning and synthesis exercise.

Principal Systems Engineer – Quantum Computing Systems