Photonics Engineer - Experimentalist

Job Description

Job Title: Photonics Engineer - Experimentalist. Location: Toronto, Canada

Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and characterize pulse shaping systems that meet specified temporal shape and output power requirements.
• Implement and maintain optical phase-locked loops and related frequency and phase stabilization systems.
• Perform precision optical measurements and troubleshoot opto-electronic systems.
• Improve system stability, reduce noise, and optimize performance;
• Collaborate with PIC development, electrical, mechanical, and software engineering teams to support product integration and manufacturability.
• Generate detailed technical documentation, including design specifications, test procedures, characterization reports, and operational manuals.

Qualifications:

• PhD in AMO, Quantum Optics, Photonics, Nonlinear Optics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of optical phase-locking techniques and frequency stabilization.
• Strong understanding of pulse shaping using high-speed IQ modulators, arbitrary waveform generators, and dispersion management.
• Strong experimental background in optical system design and laboratory work;
• Proficiency with laboratory opto-electronic and RF instrumentation, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers.
• Programming experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar languages for data acquisition and analysis.

Preferred:

• 2+ years of experience in an industry or national laboratory setting.
• Experience with low-noise optical systems or quantum photonics experiments.
• Familiarity with photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and testing.
• Experience with integrated photonics platforms such as Si, SiN, LNOI, III-V, or hybrid systems.
• Experience transferring R&D prototypes into manufacturing.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary: CAD 110,000 to CAD 140,000 per year.
• Equity eligibility.
• Employee benefits.
• Compensation is determined based on location, experience, and internal benchmarks.
• Inclusive, safe, equitable, and barrier-free workplace.

Other Information:

• This is a new position.
• Xanadu is an equal opportunity employer.
• Workplace accommodations are available during the recruitment process;
• AI tools may be used to assist with applicant screening and assessment, while final hiring decisions are made by humans.