Senior Quantum Error Correction (QEC) Developer
- Coquitlam, BC, Canada
$150,000 to $201,000 CAD / year · Full-time
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Job details
- Pay
- $150,000 to $201,000 CAD / year
- Job type
- Full-time
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- Posting language
- English
- Posted
Original job description
Location: British Columbia, Canada (Hybrid)
Compensation: CA$150,000 - CA$201,000 / year
Description
Quantum Error Correction Researchers at Photonic are part of the Fault-Tolerance team, developing cutting-edge error correction and logical operation techniques for an entanglement-first, distributed fault-tolerant quantum computer. In this role, you will focus on the development of novel methods for performing logical operations in advanced quantum error-correcting codes and mapping those methods onto Photonic's unique hardware architecture.
Your work will sit at the intersection of mathematics, quantum information theory, and hardware-aware system design. By developing new logical gate constructions, lattice surgery protocols, and structure-aware representations of quantum error-correcting codes, you will directly influence both the performance and scalability of Photonic's logical qubit platforms. You will work closely with high-performing teams of scientists, engineers, and compiler developers on a range of topics spanning quantum error correction, fault-tolerant architecture, and quantum compilation. You enjoy the thrill of learning new theory and new science, while bringing your deep mathematical expertise, open mind, and creativity to tackle key challenges as we build the world's first truly scalable quantum computing system.
About The Role
- Develop fault-tolerant logical operations for quantum LDPC codes and other code families relevant to Photonic's architecture, using techniques such as homomorphic measurements, and generalized lattice surgery
- Produce logical primitives (e.g., logical Pauli measurements, entangling gates, magic state injection) for various code families, suitable for integration into the quantum compiler stack
- Analyze and optimize the resource requirements of proposed logical operation schemes, including ancilla qubits, circuit depth/time steps, and magic state factory requirements
- Develop and validate decoding strategies compatible with proposed logical operations
- Leverage the theory of covering spaces, chain complexes, and homological algebra to construct measurement protocols for general CSS and LDPC codes
- Characterize the fault-tolerance properties (threshold, distance preservation, single-shot capability) of proposed schemes through rigorous analysis and numerical simulation
- Collaborate with the compiler team to ensure logical primitives are compatible with the quantum compilation pipeline and can be efficiently scheduled
- Collaborate with hardware, systems, compilers, and software teams to ensure logical operation designs align with hardware constraints, compiler interfaces, and system-level requirements
- Translate theoretical results into engineering specifications and simulation-ready implementations
- An advanced degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a closely related field with a focus on quantum error correction, fault-tolerant quantum computing, or topological quantum codes
- A strong mathematical background, in one or more of the following areas:
- Linear algebra
- Representation theory
- Group theory
- Graph theory
- Algebraic topology
- Demonstrated expertise in one or more of: homomorphic/homological measurements, lattice surgery, code surgery, transversal gates, or magic state distillation
- Experience with stabilizer formalism and its generalizations, CSS codes, surface codes, and/or quantum LDPC codes
- Proficiency in Python and/or other modern programming languages for simulation and prototyping
- Experience with QEC simulation tools (e.g., Stim, Monte Carlo methods) is considered an asset
- Demonstrated ability to creatively solve problems, prioritize, and manage simultaneous tasks
- Outstanding teamwork and communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries in a product-driven environment
- Ability to move fluidly between abstract mathematical reasoning and concrete algorithmic or system-level implementations
- Experience building products in a commercial environment is a strong asset
- Bonus: post-doctoral or industry research experience in quantum error correction and/or fault-tolerant logical operations
WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH US
- Work closely with some of the brightest innovators in quantum technologies to drive breakthroughs that redefine computing
- Enjoy a fast-paced and fun environment where you can try new things while solving innovative challenges every day
- Inclusive company culture that values collaboration
- Regular social events and fun activities keep our global team connected
- Competitive compensation package including base salary, stock options, and relocation assistance for global talent
- Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, life, long term disability, an employee assistance program, parental leave top-ups, and a flexible spending account
All roles listed are for current vacancies. While artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist in reviewing applicant profiles, they do not determine candidate outcomes. Our hiring decisions are made by people, not algorithms. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences, knowing that these very differences inspire innovation and build better teams. If there are any accommodations our team can make throughout our hiring process, please let us know.
More about this job
Responsibilities
Develop and analyze fault-tolerant logical operations, measurement protocols, and decoding strategies for quantum LDPC and other error-correcting codes, validating their fault-tolerance and resource requirements through mathematical analysis and simulation. Collaborate with compiler, hardware, systems, and software teams to translate theoretical results into implementable logical primitives that fit Photonic’s architecture and compilation pipeline.
Requirements
Requires an advanced degree in mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related field focused on quantum error correction, fault-tolerant computing, or topological codes, along with strong mathematical expertise and experience with relevant code families and logical-operation techniques. Candidates should be proficient in Python or another modern programming language, able to move between theory and implementation, and effective collaborators; QEC simulation experience and commercial or postdoctoral research experience are assets.
Skills
- Quantum Error Correction
- Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing
- Quantum LDPC Codes
- Lattice Surgery
- Homomorphic Measurements
- Logical Operations
- Stabilizer Formalism
- CSS Codes
- Surface Codes
- Quantum Decoding
- Python
- Quantum Error Correction Simulation
- Linear Algebra
- Algebraic Topology
- Homological Algebra
- Quantum Compilation
Benefits
- Stock Options
- Relocation Assistance
- Extended Health Benefits
- Dental Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program
- Parental Leave Top-Ups
- Flexible Spending Account
Visa sponsorship
Not detected in the job text
Categories
- Science & Research
- Engineering
- Technology
- Software
Keywords
- Quantum Error Correction
- Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing
- Quantum LDPC Codes
- CSS Codes
- Surface Codes
- Stabilizer Formalism
- Homomorphic Measurements
- Homological Measurements
- Lattice Surgery
- Code Surgery
- Transversal Gates
- Magic State Distillation
- Magic State Injection
- Logical Pauli Measurements
- Entangling Gates
- Quantum Decoding
- Quantum Compilation
- Fault-Tolerant Architecture
- Covering Spaces
- Chain Complexes
- Homological Algebra
- Algebraic Topology
- Representation Theory
- Group Theory
- Graph Theory
- Linear Algebra
- Python
- Stim
- Monte Carlo Methods
- Numerical Simulation