Quantum Device Characterization Manager

Diraq•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Quantum Device Characterization Manager leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for scalable characterization of silicon-based quantum devices. This is a people-leadership role requiring deep hands-on expertise. The manager guides, mentors, and develops the team while contributing directly to experimental design, measurement strategy, and technical problem-solving. The role owns the development of high-throughput characterization capabilities that combine cryogenic measurement systems, automation, and data analysis. The resulting insights are used to improve device performance, yield, and manufacturability, and to inform improvements across fabrication, materials, and process engineering. The manager leads people and technical execution: developing the team, evolving characterization workflows and infrastructure, enabling repeatable device testing, overseeing data analysis frameworks, and translating performance findings into engineering recommendations. The role also contributes to device architecture and layout and provides technical leadership across multidisciplinary workstreams.

Requirements

PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Significant hands-on experience in experimental quantum-device characterization or nanoscale-device measurement.
Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring technical teams in a research or engineering environment.
Strong expertise in cryogenic measurement systems and low-temperature electronics.
Proven ability to design and execute experimental workflows, including data acquisition and analysis.
Proficiency in programming for experimental control and data analysis, such as Python or similar.
Strong problem-solving capability and ability to translate complex data into engineering insights.

Nice To Haves

Experience with silicon-based quantum devices, such as spin qubits or quantum dots.
Familiarity with automated measurement systems and autotuning techniques.
Experience operating in high-throughput or scaled experimental environments.
Knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes and device-design considerations.
Track record of delivering technical programs in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of device-characterization engineers and scientists.
Establish clear goals, expectations, and performance standards; provide regular feedback, coaching, and career-development conversations.
Build team capability through hiring, onboarding, technical upskilling, and defining clear role scopes.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Lead and evolve quantum-device characterization workflows to diagnose performance bottlenecks, improve robustness, and increase fabrication and operational yield.
Contribute to device architecture and layout to align design, fabrication, and characterization requirements.
Develop and optimize cryogenic measurement infrastructure, including automation, instrumentation, and protocol design.
Create high-throughput characterization methodologies for repeatable, scalable, and efficient device testing.
Support automation and autotuning initiatives, integrating characterization data into automated workflows where appropriate.
Oversee data pipelines and analysis frameworks to generate reliable device metrics at scale.
Translate device-performance insights into actionable recommendations for fabrication, materials, and process-engineering teams.
Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary workstreams and ensure high-quality project outcomes.
Remain actively engaged in experimental design, measurement strategy, and technical problem-solving.