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 Senior Scientist - Quantum Sources to contribute to the physical implementation and integration of cutting-edge photonic modules for large-scale quantum systems. You will be working with highly complex photonic integrated circuits (PICs) that include networks of active interferometers, squeezers, and on-chip high extinction ratio filters. Your primary focus will be transforming these foundational chips into robust, fully characterized quantum source modules, bridging the gap between component-level design and system-level deployment.
- Lead the assembly, integration, and experimental validation of quantum source modules, driving the transition of bare photonic chips into deployable hardware for large-scale demonstrators.
- Characterize and benchmark the generation of advanced quantum states utilizing integrated squeezers and active routing. Measure key figures of merit including squeezing levels, modal purity, optical losses, and filter rejection ratios.
- Act as the vital technical bridge across hardware disciplines. Collaborate deeply with PIC designers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and systems engineers to define module interfaces, troubleshoot integration bottlenecks, and ensure seamless system operation.
- Implement and optimize complex control strategies for integrated optical components. Interface directly with custom control electronics to actively stabilize interferometric networks and tune high extinction ratio filters to exacting tolerances.
- Provide measurement-driven feedback to the PIC design and component testing teams, utilizing insights from module-level performance to drive the architecture of next-generation chips.
- Generate detailed technical documentation, including integration procedures, module specifications, characterization reports, and operational manuals for system-level handoffs.
- Optics expertise: Hands-on experimental optics lab experience, with deep knowledge in integrated optics, fiber optics, optical state generation, and multi-path optical interference.
- Quantum Sources: Direct experience generating, manipulating, and characterizing non-classical light (e.g., squeezed states, multi-photon states, homodyne detection) in an experimental setting.
- Systems & Electronics: Working familiarity with active stabilization of optical phases, PID controllers, and the control electronics required to drive complex photonic chips.
- Education: Ph.D. in Quantum Optics, Photonics, AMO, Applied Physics, or a closely related field.
- Prior work experience: >4 years in experimental quantum computing (particularly in optical quantum computing), dealing with complex, multi-component photonic architectures.
- Advanced Integration: A proven track record of bringing together disparate technologies, such as packaging or integrating optical chips into larger systems, including managing fiber-to-chip coupling and electronic-photonic co-packaging constraints.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated success working in highly collaborative engineering environments, effectively speaking the language of mechanical, electrical, and systems teams to solve multi-disciplinary problems.
- Autonomy and technical adaptability: The ability to independently design, build, and troubleshoot complex optical tests and rapidly absorb complex, proprietary architectures.
- Advanced Automation: Experience writing Python scripts for instrument control, hardware interfacing, and automated data acquisition.
- Component Expertise: Deep understanding of ultra-high extinction ratio optical filtering techniques and integrated non-linear parametric processes.
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 140,000 - 190,000 CAD. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Skills Required
- Hands-on experimental optics lab experience with integrated optics, fiber optics, optical state generation, and multi-path interference.
- Direct experience generating, manipulating, and characterizing non-classical light (e.g., squeezed states, multi-photon states, homodyne detection).
- Working familiarity with active stabilization of optical phases, PID controllers, and control electronics for photonic chips.
- Ph.D. in Quantum Optics, Photonics, AMO, Applied Physics, or closely related field.
- >4 years in experimental quantum computing, particularly optical quantum computing.
- Experience integrating optical chips into larger systems, including fiber-to-chip coupling and electronic-photonic co-packaging.
- Demonstrated cross-functional collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams.
- Ability to independently design, build, and troubleshoot complex optical tests and proprietary architectures.
- Experience writing Python scripts for instrument control, hardware interfacing, and automated data acquisition.
- Deep understanding of ultra-high extinction ratio optical filtering and integrated non-linear parametric processes.
What We Do
Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc. is a Canadian quantum technology company, and one of the world's leading photonic quantum hardware providers. Founded in 2016, Xanadu's mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. To achieve this mission, the company has taken a full-stack approach and builds hardware, software, and pursues state-of-the-art research with select partners. The company is also advancing the field of quantum machine learning (QML) through the development of PennyLane, an open-source project that has become a leading software library among quantum researchers and developers. Xanadu is bringing together exceptional minds from around the world to build something extraordinary. Learn more at xanadu.ai
