Layout & Design Engineer - SNSPDs (Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors)

Xanadu; Toronto; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Xanadu seeks a skilled engineer to join the Low Temperature Devices team in Toronto, developing superconducting single-photon detector components and advancing internal PDK development. You will design complex multi-pixel detector arrays and lead mask layouts for production tape-outs, bridging simulation and fabrication with state-of-the-art foundry processes.

The role blends design, testing, and data-driven optimization, requiring strong collaboration with device scientists, fabrication, and

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Engineering, Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of industrial experience preferred.
• Expert-level scripting for photonic mask design/layout.
• Experience with DRC/LVS for manufacturing compliance.
• Layout generation in GDSII/OAS for MPW/dedicated mask sets.
• Proficient in Python for design, simulation, and data analysis.
• Strong collaboration across teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Capture device layout requirements with low temperature device scientists.
• Design and execute GDS mask layouts for test structures and tape-outs.
• Perform device-level simulations and automate design pipelines.
• Coordinate with Fabrication Engineering to align design with fabrication constraints.
• Contribute to other simulation or computational projects aligned with expertise.
• Drive SNSPD performance improvements via layout optimization and novel designs.

Skills

Python scripting

GDS layouts

Communication

Team collaboration

Independent worker

Education

MSc/PhD in Engineering or Science

Tools

gdsfactory

ipkiss3

Virtuoso

OptoDesigner

Git

COMSOL

GDSII/OAS

Job description

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. 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:

The successful candidate will join the Low Temperature Devices team to develop cutting‑edge superconducting single‑photon detector (SNSPD) components, which are critical to Xanadu's fault‑tolerant architecture. In this role, you will help develop our internal PDK, with a focus on complex multiplexed multi‑pixel detector arrays. You will also lead mask design for fabrication process optimization, bridging the gap between simulation and experiment by designing advanced test structures and production tape‑outs. This position offers unique design experience with state‑of‑the‑art foundry processes through Xanadu's 300mm fabrication partners and rapid 100mm in‑house development.

Key responsibilities

• Capture device layout requirements through close collaboration with the team’s low temperature device scientists.
• Design and execute GDS mask layouts for test structures and production tape‑outs, ensuring high‑quality fabrication outputs.
• Perform device‑level simulations and develop automated pipelines to integrate design environments with simulation tools.
• Regularly interact with the Xanadu Fabrication Engineering team to align design strategies with fabrication capabilities and constraints.
• Other simulation or computational projects that aligns with the hire's expertise
• Drive improvements in key SNSPD performance metrics through layout optimization and innovative design strategies.

Required qualifications and experience:

• MSc or PhD in Engineering, Science, or related field, with 2+ years of experience in an industrial setting
• Expert‑level experience with scripted photonic mask design/layout with one or more of the following tools: gdsfactory, ipkiss3, Virtuoso, OptoDesigner, or similar tools.
• Expert‑level knowledge and experience in performing physical verification with homemade and/or foundry‑provided codes, including DRC (design rule check) and LVS (layout versus schematic) to ensure manufacturing compliance and netlist integrity
• Expert‑level experience with generating layout in the format of GDSII/OAS in MPW and dedicated full mask sets
• Experience working in a collaborative team‑based development environment, preferably using version control systems such as Git
• Experience collaborating with internal teams and external partners across process integration, packaging, and fabrication
• Experience using Python for component design, simulation, layout, and data analysis
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, cross‑disciplinary environment
• Strong attention to detail and a rigorous, data‑driven approach to problem solving
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Background in developing superconducting single photon detectors, circuits and devices.
• Experience designing layouts for superconducting devices (e.g., SNSPDs) and a strong understanding of their operational principles.
• Expertise in layout techniques that account for fabrication effects, such as lithographic rounding, OPC/bias correction, and material non‑uniformity, to optimize component performance.
• Simulation experience for device‑level modeling (e.g., COMSOL)

This is for a new position. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and internal benchmarks. 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 [e-mail].

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.