Lead Automation Engineer

ABOUT US QuantWare is building the world’s most powerful quantum processors to solve humanity's greatest challenges. We do this with our unique VIO™ technology, the only QPU architecture that breaks the hardware barriers that have held quantum computing back, unlocking the path to MegaQubit quantum processors. With VIO, we are paving the way for the hyper-scale quantum computers that will change the world. And delivering on that vision demands people who don’t shy away from tackling the hardest challenges of our time. That’s where you come in! QuantWare is building a next-generation 200 mm (8-inch) quantum device fabrication facility ("Kilofab") and assembly facility to enable industrial-scale manufacturing of superconducting quantum processors. We are seeking a Lead Automation Engineer to establish and lead the factory automation and manufacturing systems function. This role defines how manufacturing equipment, metrology systems, test platforms, and factory software systems are integrated to support efficient, traceable, and data-driven manufacturing operations. The role combines technical leadership, project execution, vendor management, and team development. What you'll be doing Fab Automation & Manufacturing Systems - Define and maintain the fab automation roadmap. - Develop the overall architecture for equipment connectivity and manufacturing data collection. - Ensure manufacturing systems support traceability, production control, process monitoring, and operational reporting. - Work closely with Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Facilities, IT, and Equipment Engineering teams to ensure successful implementation of automation solutions. Equipment Integration - Lead integration of process, metrology, and test equipment into the manufacturing environment. - Define equipment automation requirements during tool selection and procurement. - Establish and maintain equipment communication standards using SECS/GEM, and vendor-specific interfaces/APIs. - Ensure collection of equipment status, process data, alarms, events, and metrology/test results. Manufacturing Execution System (MES) - Support the selection, implementation, and operation of the MES platform. - Define MES workflows and business requirements. - Ensure integration between MES and manufacturing equipment. - Support implementation of lot tracking, genealogy, recipe management, dispatching, and production reporting. - Act as the primary business owner for MES within the fab. Manufacturing Data & Analytics - Define requirements for manufacturing data collection and storage (equipment, process, sensor, metrology, probe/test). - Support implementation of manufacturing databases, historians, and cloud-based data solutions with appropriate security and governance. - Work with internal teams and external partners to establish reporting and analytics capabilities. - Enable visibility into key manufacturing metrics (yield, throughput, cycle time, equipment utilization, production performance). Process Monitoring & Factory Control - Support implementation of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Fault Detection & Classification (FDC) capabilities. - Collaborate with process engineering teams to improve process monitoring and excursion management. - Ensure manufacturing data availability to support yield improvement and continuous improvement initiatives. Team & Vendor Management - Build and lead the fab automation and manufacturing systems team. - Recruit and manage key resources (Automation Engineers, MES Application Specialists, Manufacturing Systems Engineers). - Manage relationships with software suppliers, equipment vendors, and system integration partners. - Coordinate automation-related projects from specification through deployment and commissioning. Your Profile Must Have - BSc/MSc/PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, Semiconductor Manufacturing, or related field. - 7+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing automation, equipment integration, or manufacturing systems. - Experience working with semiconductor equipment integration and automation. - Practical knowledge of SECS/GEM communication standards. - Experience with MES systems in a manufacturing environment (implementation support or operations). - Understanding of manufacturing data flows, traceability, and production control. - Experience managing technical projects involving multiple stakeholders and vendors. - Strong communication and leadership skills. - Experience in greenfield facility build or major fab expansion. - Experience building and leading small technical teams. Good to Have - Experience supporting MES implementation projects end-to-end. - Experience with SPC and/or FDC systems. - Experience integrating semiconductor metrology and test/probe equipment. - Familiarity with cloud-based manufacturing data platforms and basic ETL concepts. - Experience in quantum, superconducting, photonics, MEMS, or other advanced technology manufacturing. Don't tick every box? Apply anyway! Research https://hbr.org/2014/08/why-women-dont-apply-for-jobs-unless-theyre-100-qualified shows women often self-select out if they don't meet every requirement. Here's our take: nobody ticks every box. This is a description of our ideal candidate, not a filter. If most resonates and you're keen to learn the gaps, apply. We hire for trajectory, not perfection. What We Offer: At QuantWare, you’ll be part of a high-performing team of world-class experts in an ambitious, fast-moving environment. From day one, you’ll have the trust, tools, and support to do your best work. Here’s what you can expect: Competitive salary - A salary that reflects the impact and importance of the role (and of course 8% holiday allowance) Pension that’s built to last - A generous and future-proof pension plan that includes partner and dependent coverage. Flexibility built on trust - We focus on outcomes. Work flexibly, in a hybrid setup, with an open vacation policy that lets you manage your time Personal growth - We invest in your L&D, with a budget available to each team member, dependent on their individual ambitions, development needs, and performance A connected team - We make space to celebrate wins together, with team events, offsites, and spontaneous moments that bring us closer Diversity & Inclusion at QuantWare We’re an ambitious company, not only for our goals but also to become an even more diverse and inclusive team. We know great candidates don't always follow a straight path, and we value diverse experience, perspectives, and ways of thinking. We know this helps us make better decisions, drives more innovation, and strengthens our culture. As part of our recruitment process, candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening.