Team Lead, USHQ Lab Operations [580]

About the role

Join D-Wave as we launch our state-of-the-art facility in Boca Raton, Florida, opening in 2027. We are seeking a Team Lead, USHQ Lab Operations to be among the first members of our Florida Lab Operations team, helping establish and lead the laboratory operations that support D-Wave’s next generation of quantum processor development.

In this hands-on leadership role, you will guide the team responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing cryogenic test cycles that enable quantum processor testing and development. You will help ensure dilution refrigerators, payload installations, and cooldown workflows operate with consistency, reliability, and predictable throughput while supporting critical research priorities.

Your journey begins with a fully supported training and knowledge-transfer short-term assignment at our headquarters in Burnaby, British Columbia, where you will gain immersive, hands-on experience with D-Wave’s cutting-edge quantum systems, laboratory operations, and established processes. This position is located in Boca Raton, FL; where you will return after your temporary assignment and take a leadership role in launching and stabilizing the new cryogenic laboratory, building safe, reliable, and increasingly self-sufficient operations.

This is an opportunity for an experienced technical leader who thrives in a hands-on environment, brings strong operational judgment, and enjoys building teams and processes from the ground up. You will play a critical role in establishing the foundation for Florida Lab Operations, enabling the team to assume increasing ownership while advancing the future of quantum computing.

What you'll do

• Lead the LabOps team in Florida by coordinating daily priorities, workload, assignments, and operational coverage.

• Serve as the first point of contact for technical guidance, troubleshooting, and procedural questions.

• Help launch Florida lab operations by establishing procedures, training, documentation, readiness checks, and escalation practices.

• Plan and oversee cryostat cooldowns, warmups, and payload operations, including system readiness, maintenance status, instrumentation, and scheduling.

• Enforce approved safety procedures, checklists, and operational standards.

• Coordinate priorities and dependencies with engineering, packaging, infrastructure, controls, and other partner teams.

• Maintain accurate configuration, cycle, and operational records.

• Track operational performance and drive improvements in reliability, schedule adherence, and throughput.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied sciences, physics, or equivalent practical experience.

• 6+ years of experience in laboratory operations, cryogenic systems, or another complex technical environment.

• Experience leading or coordinating a technical team.

• Hands-on familiarity with cryogenic systems, experimental hardware, instrumentation, or laboratory infrastructure.

• Strong planning, prioritization, troubleshooting, and cross-functional coordination skills.

• Ability to balance hands-on technical work with team leadership responsibilities.

• Strong safety awareness, documentation discipline, and attention to detail.

• Ability to work effectively and independently in a new and developing operation.

Experience launching, commissioning, or scaling a laboratory or technical facility is preferred.

Assignment and eligibility requirements

• Willingness and ability to temporarily relocate to Burnaby, British Columbia, for a short-term international assignment for required onsite training assignment lasting up to 180 days. 

• Ability to obtain and maintain authorization to work in Canada for the duration of the temporary assignment. 

• D-Wave will cover eligible costs associated with the required short-term international assignment and training period. Additional details will be provided during the hiring process.

• Ability to obtain security clearance.

Work Environment:

• Initial onsite work in Burnaby, British Columbia, followed by permanent onsite work in Boca Raton, Florida. 

• Regular hands-on work with cryogenic systems and laboratory equipment. 

• Ability to stand, walk, lift equipment, and occasionally work on ladders or platforms. 

• Flexible or after-hours work may be  during critical operations. 

• Participation in an on-call rotation may be required following completion of training.

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.

Export Controls:

This position may include access to controlled information or technology under U.S. export control laws. Employment may be contingent on either the applicant verifying falling under the "U.S. Person" definition (including U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and those granted U.S. asylum or refugee status) or the employer timely obtaining any necessary export license under federal laws. The employer valuates export licensing on a case-by-case basis and may decline to proceed with a job application in its sole discretion as export license applications can take many weeks to process.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to pass a Tier 2 background investigation. This position also requires an active U.S. government security clearance, or the ability to qualify for one (U.S. citizenship required).

The Fine Print: 

No 3rd party candidates will be accepted

It is D-Wave Systems Inc. policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, local law. 

The base pay range for this role is:

$150,000 - $206,000 USD per year

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