Photonics Engineer - Systems Integration

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Xanadu is seeking a Photonics Engineer to join our hardware team to accelerate the development of our Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing systems. You will conduct advanced characterization experiments, optimize core technologies, and bridge lab data with predictive models. A strong background in optics and proficiency in Python is required, along with a relevant degree.

The position offers a base salary range of 110,000 - 140,000 CAD, equity options, and benefits. We encourage diverse candidates to apply and are committed to an inclusive workforce.

Qualifications

• Strong background in optics with ability to build and troubleshoot complex optical experiments.
• Proven ability to build mathematical models of physical systems.
• Understanding of thermal management and vibration dynamics in optical systems.
• Proficiency in Python with a strong willingness to learn lab automation.
• Ability to quickly absorb new experimental frameworks.
• Self-starter mindset with data processing and analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute optical phase and polarization experiments.
• Test and benchmark incoming hardware using internal tools.
• Translate data into actionable insights for new designs.
• Build and refine analytical and numerical models.
• Propose and validate solutions to minimize optical loss.
• Factor in thermal management and vibration isolation in experiments.

Skills

Optics Expertise

Modeling & Analytical Skills

Environmental Physics

Programming Aptitude

Technical Adaptability

Autonomy & Drive

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline

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:

We are looking for a hands‑on, analytical, and driven Photonics Engineer to join our hardware team and accelerate the development of our Fault‑Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC) systems. If you thrive in a lab environment, love bridging the gap between physical hardware and mathematical modeling, and want to solve critical loss and performance challenges, we want to hear from you!

This role is critical to the optimization and evolution of our core phase and polarization locking technologies. You will rapidly onboard onto our proprietary testing frameworks, transition into independently running advanced characterization experiments, and ultimately leverage your insights to plan, order, and validate next‑generation of devices. You will be the bridge between empirical lab data and the predictive models that drive our hardware roadmap.

• Optical Experimentation & Automation: Plan, build, and execute sophisticated phase and polarization actuation experiments. Program custom Python scripts to automate lab testing, streamline data gathering, and process complex datasets independently.
• Advanced characterization: Utilize internal tools and Python‑based frameworks to independently test, characterize, and benchmark incoming hardware.
• Iterative Design & Ordering: Translate baseline characterization data into actionable insights to help plan, specify, and order brand‑new, optimized designs.
• Physical & Mathematical Modeling: Build upon and refine our existing analytical and numerical models to unlock a deeper, company‑wide understanding of the physical processes driving optical loss and system performance.
• Validation & Optimization: Propose innovative solutions to minimize loss, test them rigorously in the lab, and validate performance improvements on your own custom‑planned designs.
• Environmental Mitigation: Factor critical real‑world variables—specifically thermal management and vibration isolation—into experimental setups to protect sensitive optical performance.

Basic qualifications and experience:

• Optics Expertise: Strong, demonstrable background in optics with the ability to independently build, service, align, and troubleshoot complex optical experiments in a laboratory setting.
• Modeling & Analytical Skills: Proven ability to build mathematical models of physical systems utilizing both analytical and numerical tools.
• Environmental Physics: Clear understanding of thermal management and vibration dynamics, including how these environmental factors impact optical system stability.
• Programming Aptitude: Basic proficiency in Python programming, with a strong willingness and aptitude to quickly learn lab automation and instrument control.
• Technical Adaptability: Ability to rapidly absorb complex, proprietary architectures and master new experimental frameworks.
• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Autonomy & Drive: A self‑starter mindset with a proven track record of gathering, processing, and drawing conclusions from data independently to push a project forward.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Advanced Automation: Experience writing Python scripts for instrument control, hardware interfacing, and automated data acquisition.
• Quantum Architectures: Prior experience or familiarity with quantum optics, integrated photonics, or co‑packaged optical systems.
• Advanced Education: A Ph.D. focused on experimental optics, photonics, or laser characterization.

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.

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.