Senior Photonics Engineer - Experimental Nonlinear Optics

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!

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.

• 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.

• 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.