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…