Team Lead, USHQ Lab Operations

About the role

Join D-Wave as we launch ourstate-of-the-artfacility 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, helpingestablishand 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 ensuredilutionrefrigerators, payload installations, and cooldown workflowsoperatewith consistency, reliability, and predictable throughput while supporting critical research priorities.

Your journey begins with a fully supported training and knowledge-transfertemporaryassignment of up to180 daysat our headquarters in Burnaby, British Columbia, where you will gain immersive, hands-on experience with D-Wave’scutting-edgequantum systems, laboratory operations, and established processes. This positionis located inBoca 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 inestablishingthe foundation for Florida Lab Operations, enabling the team to assume increasing ownership while advancing the future of quantum computing.

What you'll do

• Lead theLabOpsteamin Floridaby 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 byestablishingprocedures, 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.

• Maintainaccurateconfiguration, 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 temporarilyrelocatetoBurnaby, British Columbia, for ashort-term internationalassignment forrequired onsite training assignment lasting up to180 days.

• Ability to obtain andmaintainauthorization to work in Canada for the duration of the temporary assignment.

• D-Wave will cover eligible costs associated with the requiredshort-term international assignmentand training period.Additionaldetails 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-hourswork may berequiredduring 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.