Photonics Design and Control Engineer

Xanadu; Toronto; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Xanadu in Toronto, Canada, is seeking a Photonics Design & Control Engineer to lead the full lifecycle of active optical components, focusing on high-order integrated filters, from concept and simulation to automated testing and real-time tuning. You will explore designs for in-waveguide suppression and stray light mitigation while optimizing performance under real-world perturbations.

The role requires a MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics, 2+ years of testing PICs, strong Python

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics required.
• Proven track record designing high-performance integrated filters.
• 2+ years testing and measurements of active/passive PICs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full lifecycle of active optical components, focusing on high-order integrated filters, from concept and simulation to automated testing and real-time tuning.
• Collaborate with HW R&D to validate module-level performance under environmental perturbations.

Skills

Integrated photonics control

Python for instrument control

Real-time tuning

Multi-variable optimization

Testing of active/passive PIC

Education

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Tools

Python

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. 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

In your role as a Photonics Design & Control Engineer, you will oversee the full lifecycle of active optical components—focusing heavily on high-order integrated optical filters—from initial concept, simulation, and layout through to the development and execution of automated testing routines that complete the design cycle. You will explore different integrated filters designs for both in-waveguide suppression and for stray light mitigation. Furthermore, you will design efficient algorithms to tune, control, and optimize these devices in real-time, ensuring they meet stringent performance specifications.

Finally, you will work closely with the extended HW R&D team to understand the module-level requirements and operating conditions, and implement robust testing strategies that account for environmental perturbations or fabrication tolerances.

Basic qualifications and experience

• MS or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Proven track record of design of high performance integrated filters.
• 2+ years experience in testing and measurements of active/passive PIC.
• Proficient in the design, operation, and calibration of optical filters, including the ability to analyze complex spectral requirements and tuning mechanisms.
• Experience in developing automated measurement routines for active PICs.
• Strong background in integrated photonics control systems and multi-variable optimization.
• High-level Python skills for instrument control and data acquisition.
• Experience handling experimental data, fitting results to theoretical models, and refining control parameters based on data.

Preferred qualifications and experience

• Familiarity and proven experience with high volume measurements routine.
• 2+ years experience in an industrial setting.

This is for a new position. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and internal benchmarks. The base salary range is 110,000 - 140,000 CAD. 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.