Photonics Lab Technician - Measurement (Afternoon Shift)

Xanadu; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Xanadu is hiring for a lab-focused role within our Hardware team in Canada. You will work closely with photonic chip designers to support optical measurements, metrology, and data reporting in a fast-paced lab setting.

The role requires hands-on fiber preparation, splicing, and analysis, with an emphasis on precision, thorough documentation, and clear communication with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• BSc (or equiv.) in Engineering, Science, or related relevant field.
• 2+ years experience in a laboratory with optical test/fibres equipment.
• Experience with cleaving and splicing optical fibres for low-loss transmission.
• Experience with sensitive and high-precision optical measurements.
• Basic knowledge of optical fibres and waveguides.
• Basic knowledge of sample preparation for optical experiments.
• Basic microscopy techniques.

Responsibilities

• Interface with photonic chip designers and engineers to assist with lab work for optical measurements and characterisation.
• Prepare samples, splice fibers, and set up optical metrology and data collection.
• Analyze data and report results to stakeholders.
• Maintain attention to detail in a dynamic lab environment and pursue measurements beyond state of the art.

Skills

Optical measurements

Fiber cleaving

Fiber splicing

Laboratory experience

Documentation

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

BSc in Engineering/Science or related field

Tools

Python

Git / version control

Job description

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:

Based within the Hardware team, you will interface with photonic chip designers and engineers to assist with lab work associated with optical measurements and characterisation of photonic devices. This will include sample preparation, optical fibre preparation, hardware assembly, optical setup preparation, metrology, measurements acquisition, data analysis and reporting. The selected candidate will have hands‑on experience preparing samples for optical measurements, splicing of optical fibres, performing measurements of photonics devices in a lab environment, performing practical analysis, and reporting to various stakeholders. Attention to detail and drive will be critical attributes while working in a highly challenging and dynamic environment pursuing measurements beyond the state of the art.

Required qualifications and experience:

• BSc (or equiv.) in Engineering, Science, or related relevant field
• 2+ years experience working in a laboratory environment with optical test and/or fibre optic equipment.
• Experience with cleaving and splicing optical fibers for low-loss transmission
• Experience with sensitive and high-precision optical measurements
• Basic knowledge of optical fibres and/or waveguide-based components
• Basic understanding of material handling
• Basic knowledge of the sample preparations for optical experiments
• Basic knowledge of microscopy techniques
• Detail-oriented with a positive attitude towards work
• Highly motivated and eager to learn
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Ability to perform basic instrumentation of laboratory equipment
• Familiarity with the Python programming language
• Knowledge of version control software and standard software development practices in a team environment
• Experience working in clean room environments
• Experience in failure analysis techniques

Given the nature of the primary duties and responsibilities of this role, it is an essential term and condition of this role that the core hours of work will involve an evening shift schedule of Monday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., subject to change to meet company needs. For the initial training period, the work hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

This is for an existing position. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and internal benchmarks. The base salary range is 80,000 - 100,000 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.