Senior Cost Engineer

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 seeking a Cost Engineer to lead bottom-up cost modeling, technical clean-sheet analysis, and design-to-cost initiatives across our photonic quantum computing portfolio. In this role, you will bridge the gap between Hardware Design, Manufacturing Operations, and Strategic Sourcing. You will build granular cost models for complex electronic and optical assemblies—ranging from standard printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) to photonic quantum computing hardware and custom enclosures. Your insights will directly shape product architecture decisions, guide supplier negotiations, and ensure target profit margins are met throughout the product lifecycle.

• Bottom-Up Cost Modeling & Clean Sheets: Develop process-based "should-cost" models for electronic assemblies, custom tooling, mechanical enclosures, and emerging optoelectronic/photonic hardware components.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Yield: Partner with Hardware Design Engineers and foundry/EMS partners to quantify the cost impact of component selection, optical packaging, manufacturing steps, and test yields.
• Supplier Negotiation & Technical Benchmarking: Evaluate vendor quotes against internal clean-sheet models to highlight pricing gaps, eliminate unneeded cost drivers, and provide data-driven support during procurement negotiations.
• Value Engineering (VAVE): Identify cost-reduction opportunities across standard electronic hardware and next-generation quantum photonics modules through material substitutions and simplified assembly steps without compromising quality.
• Cost Tooling & Process Automation: Utilize cost-estimation software (e.g., aPriori, Costimator) or custom parametric models to track product target costs against actual estimates across design revisions.

Basic qualifications and experience:

• Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 3+ years in should-cost engineering, product cost estimation, or technical strategic sourcing in a complex hardware environment

• Core Technical Competencies:
• Proficiency in Clean-Sheet Analysis, Bottom-Up Costing, and Value Engineering (VAVE).
• Strong working knowledge of standard electronics manufacturing processes (SMT, PCB fabrication, sheet metal, enclosure assembly) with exposure to integrated optics or photonics.
• Hands-on experience with parametric costing software (aPriori, Costimator) and advanced analytical tools (Excel, Python).
• Direct experience interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, and Bill of Materials (BOM) data to calculate material, labor, and overhead costs.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• High-level familiarity with advanced semiconductor manufacturing, silicon photonics, or quantum computing hardware architectures.
• Experience working directly with Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers, commercial foundries, and specialized optics suppliers.
• Strong background in vendor management and cross-functional project leadership.