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:

As a Photonics Test Engineer, you will drive the characterization of our active optical devices and serve as a key technical expert for our thin-film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) platform. In this highly collaborative and dynamic role, you will bridge the gap between R&D and manufacturing by designing complex test architectures and scaling them for the future.

• Architect and develop advanced experimental test procedures, assembling and automating the necessary hardware to characterize active optical devices.
• Drive the comprehensive characterization of various electro-optic components—with a primary focus on the thin-film LN platform—including electro-optic modulators (EOMs), tunable phase shifters, and beam splitters within our Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs).
• Directly interface with the design, fabrication, instrumentation, and tooling teams to align, define, and execute strategic roadmaps toward successful device characterization.
• Define rigorous measurement and qualification routines for our devices, acting as the central hub for analyzing performance data and exchanging actionable insights with company stakeholders.
• Plan and execute our roadmap for testing activities in lockstep with development teams, keeping a strong vision toward future production requirements and scaling test procedures from the lab to High-Volume Testing.
• Evaluate emerging test methodologies in the photonics space and continuously optimize our characterization capabilities within a dynamic and challenging professional environment.

Basic qualifications and experience:

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 1+ years experience as a testing or product engineer of electro-optical devices and/or circuits products/wafers in a professional setting.
• Extreme attention to detail and a systematic approach to experimentation, with a focus on minimizing both systematic and statistical errors.
• Deep understanding of the characteristic properties of the TFLN as a material and the physics governing active photonic devices in this platform. 
• Proven experience testing integrated photonic devices (EOMS, phase shifter etc.) at both chip and wafer scale.
• Performed high-frequency characterization and bias drift analysis on integrated modulators.
• Proficiency in Python for instrument control and experience with standard lab equipment (SMUs, OPMs, Oscilloscopes, VNAs, LCR meters).
• Experience handling complex experimental datasets, including fitting to models, refining simulations, and performing rigorous error analysis.
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple competing priorities.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Ph.D. thesis in the field of electro-optical characterization of semiconductor devices.
• 2+ years experience as a testing or product engineer of electro-optical devices

• Practical experience with ISO 17025/9001 frameworks, specifically regarding measurement traceability and the creation of Uncertainty Budgets.
• Proficiency in Gauge R&R and ANOVA to validate test station stability and isolate device performance from setup-induced noise.
• Experience working with commercial test solutions (e.g., FormFactor, Ficontec, MPI) and scaling R&D procedures for production environments.
• Understanding of sources of loss in photonic devices and their relation to fabrication processes.
• Experience in TCAD/COMSOL simulations for semiconductor devices to correlate physical models with experimental data.

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 110,000 - 140,000 CAD. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Our values are important. They are fundamental and lay the foundation for culture at Xanadu. Learn more about our values here.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive, safe, and equitable culture and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. We are committed to meeting the needs of all individuals and support a barrier-free workplace. Should you require accommodations at any point during the recruitment process please contact Recruiting at recruiting@xanadu.ai.

Please be advised that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the screening and assessment of applicants for this position. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.