Superconducting Analog Component Designer

Xanadu; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Xanadu is looking for a talented engineer to contribute to the development of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) in Toronto. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in superconducting technologies to support the architecture of our quantum systems.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a related field, 2+ years of experience, and strong skills in circuit design using SPICE, as well as proficiency in Python for data analysis. We offer a competitive salary ranging between CAD 150,000 and CAD 200,000, along with equity opportunities and benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD with 2+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Strong understanding of single-photon detection mechanisms.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-disciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Design superconducting analog components and circuits.
• Contribute to scalable multiplexing of SNSPD arrays.
• Support cryogenic validation of device performance.

Skills

Circuit design and simulation using SPICE

Superconducting device physics

Python for design and analysis

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Education

PhD in Physics or Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

COMSOL

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. 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 this role, you will contribute your expertise in superconductors and analog components to advance our cutting‑edge Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) required for our quantum architecture. This will involve challenging the state‑of‑the‑art with novel approaches to make world‑leading devices. As a member of the Low Temperature Devices Team, your primary responsibility will be the development of record‑breaking photon‑number‑resolving detectors with ultra‑high system detection efficiency, short reset times, and scalability to large‑scale deployment.

With your deep technical expertise and experience in superconducting component and circuit design, you will play a critical role in designing and enhancing the performance and scalability of our SNSPD platform. This role requires significant experience with on‑chip superconductor design, as well as the ability to work effectively across disciplines in a fast‑paced environment to integrate into for large‑scale quantum system designs.

You will take full ownership of their development, from concept through validation and deployment within large‑scale detector arrays.

• Design and optimize superconducting analog components and circuits (e.g., inductors, transmission lines, and detector interfaces) for integration into SNSPD‑based systems
• Contribute to circuit architectures enabling scalable multiplexing and readout of large‑scale SNSPD arrays and on‑chip integration
• Drive improvements in key SNSPD performance metrics (e.g., system detection efficiency, reset time, yield, and scalability) relevant to Xanadu’s system architecture
• Translate device designs into tapeout‑ready GDS layouts for fabrication with external foundries
• Support cryogenic validation of device and circuit performance, including analysis of measurement data to inform design iterations
• Collaborate with internal and external process integration engineers, packaging engineers and technicians, including at Xanadu’s foundry partners

Basic qualifications and experience:

• PhD in Physics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, with at least 2 years of postdoctoral or industry experience
• Circuit design and simulation using SPICE models, including relevant parasitic components
• Strong understanding of superconducting device physics and single‑photon detection mechanisms
• Familiarity with standard fabrication techniques and their influences on design
• Experience using Python for component design, simulation, GDS 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:

• Simulation experience for device‑level modeling (e.g., COMSOL, pyTDGL)
• Deep proficiency with superconducting theory including TDGL
• Proficient writing Python code
• Familiarity with statistical process control and yield optimization in fabrication workflows
• Experience with large‑scale detector arrays or multiplexed readout architectures

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 150,000 – 200,000 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.