Photonics Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Photonics Design Engineer (Hybrid). Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

The engineer will design and optimize passive and active photonic components using in-house cloud simulation pipelines, collaborating closely with foundry partners & internal design teams.

Duties:

• Design, simulate, and optimize integrated photonic components for Xanadu’s quantum computing systems.
• Apply design of experiments (DOEs) and design for manufacturing (DFM) principles to ensure manufacturability and performance.
• Collaborate with fabrication partners on 200mm and 300mm wafer processes;
• Utilize cloud-based simulation pipelines to evaluate designs, analyze tradeoffs, and improve device performance.
• Execute automated optimization approaches such as Bayesian, particle swarm, or adjoint methods.
• Incorporate effects like lithographic rounding and material non-uniformity into component optimization;
• Develop photonic mask designs using scripting tools and maintain version control through systems such as git.
• Participate in a collaborative, team-driven environment that values innovation and precision.

Qualifications:

• MSc or PhD in Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with at least two years of industry experience.
• Deep expertise in designing passive integrated optical components with awareness of wafer variation and loss mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of sources of loss in photonic devices and how they relate to fabrication.
• Knowledge of simulation tradeoffs, including accuracy and computational efficiency;
• Experience developing photonic mask layouts through scripting and automation.
• Familiarity with version control systems such as git.
• Preferred experience in designing active optical components like phase shifters or photodiodes.
• Understanding of coupled mode theory, resonators, and nonlinear optics.
• Experience with photonic foundry tapeouts and process design kits (PDKs);
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, research-driven environment and manage multiple projects.

Benefits and Instructions:

• Work in a mission-driven company developing world-changing quantum technologies.
• Gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art photonic foundry processes;
• Inclusive and equitable workplace supporting all individuals.
• Hybrid work setup based in Toronto, ON;
• To apply, submit your application through Xanadu’s career portal. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, contact recruiting@xanadu.ai