Senior Photonics Engineer - Experimental Nonlinear Optics

Xanadu; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Xanadu in Toronto is seeking a talented quantum optics researcher to join the Hardware R&D Team. You will design, build, and operate complex optical experiments to characterize and optimize scalable quantum light sources for our world’s first photonic quantum computers.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Quantum Optics or related field, strong hands-on experience with squeezed light and coherent detection, and proficiency in Python for data analysis. Equity and benefits are available.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Quantum Optics, Photonics, AMO or related field.
• Strong experience with squeezed light and homodyne/heterodyne detection.
• Proficiency in Python for data acquisition and analysis.
• Experience with RF electronics and precision laser stabilization.

Responsibilities

• Experimental Design: Build and upgrade complex optical lab experiments to generate and measure squeezed vacuum.
• Benchmarking: Compare experiments with nonlinear simulations and analytical models.
• Characterization: Characterize photonic integrated chips with thermal and electro-optic elements.
• Documentation: Produce detailed technical documentation, including design specs and test procedures.

Skills

Quantum optics

Coherent detection

Control theory

Laboratory proficiency

RF electronics

Python

Modeling

Education

Ph.D. in Quantum Optics or related field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Photodiodes

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:

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 recruiting at xanadu.ai.

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.