Senior Photonics Engineer - Experimental Nonlinear Optics

About Xanadu

Xanadu’s mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere.

At Xanadu, we are learners, innovators, researchers, collaborators and problem solvers. We are creating something that has never been built before. What we are doing is extremely hard, the classic moon shot. Few people in their life will be able to be a part of something like this, where if we are successful, the technologies we develop will solve some of the world’s most challenging problems and literally change the world. And that is something to be excited about!

Your role and responsibilities

As a member of the Hardware R&D Team, you will collaborate with our team to develop nonlinear optical devices on integrated nanophotonic platforms. You will design, build, and operate complex optical experiments, utilizing rigorous data analysis to characterize and optimize scalable quantum light sources for the world’s first photonic quantum computers.

Experimental Design

Build and upgrade complex optical laboratory experiments to generate and measure squeezed vacuum.

Benchmarking

Contribute to next-generation squeezer development by benchmarking experiments against nonlinear simulations and analytical models.

Characterization

Characterize photonic integrated chip (PICs) with thermal and electro-optic elements using continuous-wave and pulsed laser light.

Documentation

Generate detailed technical documentation, including design specs, test procedures, and operational manuals.

Basic qualifications and experience

Quantum Optics

Strong familiarity with squeezed light, photon pair generation, and single-photon detection.

Coherent Detection

Proficiency in homodyne/heterodyne detection, phase-sensitive experiments, and shot noise-limited measurement.

Control Theory

Experience with laser and resonator locking (Pound-Drever-Hall, dither locking)

Laboratory Proficiency

Demonstrated ability to build/troubleshoot experiments using RF and opto-electronic equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, photodiodes).

Electronics

Solid understanding of RF electronics, opto-electronic detectors, and electro-optic modulator concepts.

Programming

Proficiency in Python for data acquisition/analysis and experience with version control.

Modeling

Proven ability to build mathematical models of physical systems using analytical and numerical tools.

Education

Ph.D. in Quantum Optics, Photonics, AMO, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with relevant research experience.

Preferred qualifications and experience

Resonators

Experience with microring resonators, frequency combs, or soliton generation.

Pulse Shaping

Experience with pulse shaping techniques using amplitude/IQ modulators and arbitrary waveform generators.

Autonomy

Ability to independently design complex experiments and communicate measurement-derived insights effectively.

Advanced Automation

Experience writing Python scripts for instrument control and hardware interfacing.

Laser Noise

Expertise in noise characterization techniques (phase/frequency, RIN).

This is a new position. The base salary range is 150,000 – 180,000 CAD, commensurate with location and experience. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Our values are important. They are fundamental and lay the foundation for culture at Xanadu. Learn more about our values

here

.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive, safe, and equitable culture and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. We are committed to meeting the needs of all individuals and support a barrier-free workplace. Should you require accommodations at any point during the recruitment process please contact Recruiting at

<[email hidden]>

.

Please be advised that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the screening and assessment of applicants for this position. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.