Senior Cryogenic Technician

Senior Cryogenic Technicians at Photonic support the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of cryogenic systems used in Photonic's quantum hardware laboratory. This role focuses on hands-on ownership of cryostats, cryogenic infrastructure, and associated vacuum and gas handling systems that enable low-temperature quantum experiments.

This position is part of the Operations Team and works closely with Lab Technicians, who support laboratory readiness and experimental setups, and Assembly Technicians, who build and integrate quantum control systems. The Cryogenic Technician is primarily responsible for cryogenic system operation, safety, and procedural quality, while collaborating with engineering and scientific staff during system bring-up and operation.

This is a senior individual contributor role intended for experienced cryogenic technicians who are comfortable improving procedures, identifying risks, and operating in safety-critical environments.

Please include a cover letter with your resume (in one file) describing how you would be a great fit at Photonic and what attributes you could bring to our growing team.

Operate and Maintain Cryogenic Systems

• Operate, monitor, and maintain closed-cycle cryogenic systems and cryostats used for quantum hardware experiments
• Execute and oversee cool-down, steady-state operation, and warm-up of cryogenic systems
• Monitor system performance including temperatures, pressures, vacuum levels, and flow conditions
• Identify abnormal operating conditions and take appropriate corrective action

Develop and Refine Cryogenic Procedures

• Develop, refine, and maintain procedures for cool-down, steady-state operation, and warm-up of cryogenic systems
• Improve existing procedures where documentation is incomplete, unclear, or inconsistent
• Create checklists and operational guides to support repeatable and safe cryogenic operation
• Provide input to training materials used by junior technicians and other lab staff

Maintain Cryogenic Infrastructure and Gas Handling

• Operate and maintain high-vacuum systems associated with cryostats, including pumps, valves, gauges, and seals
• Perform leak checking of vacuum and gas systems using appropriate techniques and instrumentation
• Operate and maintain gas handling systems for helium and nitrogen used for charging, purging, and venting cryogenic systems
• Support the use and maintenance of liquid nitrogen systems used for cold traps and cryogenic support equipment

Safety and Compliance

• Follow and help enforce cryogenic safety practices related to high-pressure systems, oxygen deficiency hazards, cryogens, and vacuum equipment
• Support compliance with WorkSafeBC, WHMIS, and internal safety requirements
• Participate in hazard assessments, safety reviews, and operational readiness reviews
• Assist in training staff on cryogenic safety, emergency response, and safe operating procedures

Work with Operations and Engineering Teams

• Work alongside Lab Technicians to support experiments and laboratory operations near cryogenic systems
• Coordinate with Assembly Technicians during installation and integration of hardware near cryostats
• Support engineering teams during cryogenic system bring-up, testing, and troubleshooting
• Provide operational and design-for-serviceability feedback to engineering based on hands-on experience

Documentation and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate records of system configurations, maintenance activities, and operational history
• Contribute to improving cryogenic system documentation, procedures, and safety materials
• Identify reliability, maintainability, and operational risks and propose mitigation strategies

Required Qualifications

• Seven or more years of hands-on experience operating cryogenic or low-temperature systems
• Demonstrated experience executing and improving cryogenic procedures, not just following them
• Strong practical knowledge of closed-cycle cryogenic systems and cryostats
• Experience with high-vacuum systems, gas handling, and leak detection techniques
• Experience working in safety-critical environments involving cryogens, high-pressure gases, and vacuum equipment
• Ability to…