Senior Photonics Engineer – Homodyne Detection

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 an industry leader in photonic quantum computing, Xanadu takes hardware very seriously! In this role, you will work within the Fabrication Process Engineering team to deliver Xanadu’s photonic quantum computing hardware. With your deep technical expertise and strong experience in photonics fabrication process development and process integration, you will be responsible for developing process integration schemes used to build critical components of Xanadu’s quantum computing hardware.

Process Integration & Quantum Hardware Development:

• Coordinate between several internal component teams to ensure all hardware requirements are satisfied in delivered chips and circuits.
• Innovate in the space of photonic process development and process integration, especially with respect to ultra-low loss components.
• Collaborate with internal and external photonics process engineers to refine fabrication procedures for ultra-low loss photonic quantum computing chips.
• Work with Xanadu’s foundry partners to continuously improve lithography approach while balancing competing fabrication requirements.
• Deliver integrated quantum photonics chips and circuits containing multiple active and passive components.

Lithography & Tapeout Ownership:

• Build, define, and own the entire photolithography and tapeout module from layout receipt to final wafer patterning.
• Receive GDS design files and manage the tapeout cycle with external mask shops.
• Define the exact specifications for OPC aggressiveness, dummy fill density rules, and Optical Rules Check (ORC) targets.
• Develop and enforce the Lithography Design Rule Manual and provide critical Design for Manufacturing (DFM) feedback to layout teams.
• Define scanner illumination conditions and tune Numerical Aperture/Sigma settings to maximize process windows.
• Execute rigorous focus/exposure matrices, optimize photoresist/BARC chemistries, and establish metrology baselines to ensure strict CD and overlay control.
• Stay abreast of new developments in the fields of photonics fabrication process development and advanced patterning.

Basic qualifications and experience:

• MS, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years experience in a foundry environment for semiconductor and/or integrated photonics products, including experience owning lots, working with an MES, etc.
• Familiarity with standard semiconductor and photonics metrology and failure analysis techniques, including some subset of: SEM, TEM, AFM, defect inspection, ellipsometry, XRR/XRD, SIMS, Raman spectroscopy.
• Familiarity with photonic components, such as waveguides, beamsplitters, resonators, MZIs, etc.
• Deep, hands-on expertise with advanced 300mm scanners.
• Demonstrated experience managing tapeout cycles, specifying mask requirements, and reviewing ORC/OPC verification data.
• Ability to tackle challenging problems and develop innovative solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and strong sense of teamwork.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Experience building lithography modules within a mature technology flow.
• Strong understanding of advanced mask writing technologies and the fundamental physics of lithographic imaging.
• Experience owning lots in SiView MES.
• Experience with product development cycle from R&D through volume ramping.
• Experience in photonic quantum computing hardware development.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering finished integrated photonics products.
• Experience working in fabless companies.
• Preferred location: Albany, NY area.

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 130,000 - 180,000 CAD. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Values:

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

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.