Group Lead – Integrated Photonics
Location: Austin, TX
Employment Type: Full-Time
Role Overview
ORCA Computing is developing an ultra-low loss integrated photonics platform for photonic quantum computers. Packaged devices will be deployed in real-world systems and will underpin our longer-term large-scale quantum computing architectures.
We are seeking a Group Lead – Integrated Photonics to lead the strategic direction and execution of our integrated photonics program in Austin, TX. This leader will set the technical roadmap across design, fabrication, and characterization, align the Austin team’s efforts with our UK team’s goals and timelines, and build and grow a high-performing photonics engineering organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and drive the strategic roadmap for ORCA’s integrated ultra-low loss photonics platforms
- Organize and align design, fabrication, and characterization efforts with ORCA London’s goals and timelines
- Manage, mentor, and grow the photonics engineering team across design, fab, and test functions
- Serve as the senior technical authority across the full PIC development lifecycle, from design through fabrication and testing
- Set priorities, schedules, and resourcing to balance near-term delivery with long-term platform development
- Represent the integrated photonics function to executive leadership, investors, and external partners
- Identify and de-risk technical challenges before they impact program timelines
Required Qualifications
- Extensive industry experience in photonic integrated circuit design, fabrication, and testing, including prior technical leadership and people management
- Strong hands-on background across the full PIC lifecycle: design, layout, fabrication, characterization, and packaging
- Proven ability to build and scale technical teams
- Excellent communication skills, with experience coordinating across geographically distributed teams
- Must be based in Austin, TX, with hybrid work flexibility
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Direct experience with Silicon Nitride (SiN) photonic platforms
- Background in quantum photonics or quantum optics
- Experience managing distributed or multi-site engineering teams
