Senior Photonics Design Engineer - Integrated Nonlinear Optics, Toronto

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 The successful candidate will work within the photonic integration team to develop cutting‑edge passive and active components used throughout Xanadu's fault tolerant architecture. Particular emphasis will be based on the design of nonlinear structures for the generation of highly squeezed, spectrally pure states of light, while applying design for manufacturing (DFM) concepts, and exploring performance tradeoffs with Xanadu's 200mm and 300mm fabrication partners. They will gain experience with state‑of‑the‑art foundry processes, utilize scalable simulation and analysis pipelines to predict and verify the performance of their designs, and closely interface with the experimental team. The candidate will need to use their deep understanding of integrated nonlinear optics and simulation techniques to create squeezed light sources with sub‑milli dB components.

Basic qualifications and experience

MSc or PhD in Engineering, Science, or related field, with 2+ years experience in an industrial setting

Deep expertise in nonlinear optics, specifically regarding third‑order nonlinear processes within integrated waveguides. Advanced knowledge of quantum optics for solutions beyond perturbative (low‑gain) regimes.

Expert‑level knowledge and experience designing passive integrated optical components including the incorporation of wafer variations

Detailed understanding of sources of loss in photonic devices and their relation to fabrication processes

Understanding of the tradeoff between different simulation approaches including sources of error and computational resource use

Experience working in a collaborative team‑based development environment, preferably using version control systems such as git

Ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple competing priorities

Preferred qualifications and experience

Deep theoretical understanding of coupled mode interactions in the context of waveguides, resonators and nonlinear optics

Experience in developing components and performing tapeouts with photonic foundries

Expert‑level knowledge and experience in designing ultra‑high quality factor ring‑based squeezed vacuum light sources

Understanding of spontaneous Raman scattering, its modeling and connection to waveguide geometry and wafer stack composition

Expert‑level knowledge in second order nonlinear optics and processes, and their application to squeezed light generation

Experience developing automated optimization approaches, such as particle swarm, Bayesian and adjoint method

Incorporation of fabrication processes effects such as lithographic rounding, OPC/bias correction and material non‑uniformity into component optimization

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 120,000 - 170,000 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.

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 .

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.

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