QPU Integration Engineer (Micro-Fabrication focused) (f/m/d)

Ignite Next GmbH; Hamburg; Hybrid; EUR 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible working hours

Team events

Further development

Wellness Package

Bike Leasing

Moving Benefits

At the forefront

Modern workplace

Job summary

eleQtron is seeking a Senior QPU Integration Engineer focused on micro-fabrication to lead FEOL/BEOL integration in our QPU development program. You will drive end-to-end fabrication flows, partner with design, physics, and packaging teams, and guide external foundries and institutes.

A strong background in semiconductor or quantum hardware integration in a cleanroom is essential. You will mentor engineers, define process controls, and author SOPs and roadmaps to advance next-generation quantum

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Microelectronics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Nanotechnology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on semiconductor or quantum hardware integration in a cleanroom (Class 10/ISO 4–5).
• Deep FEOL and BEOL module development experience (lithography, thin films, etching, planarization, interconnects).
• Proven track record leading development projects with external foundries.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for FEOL/BEOL fabrication modules and process steps.
• Lead end-to-end integration flows across multi-layer QPU stacks.
• Collaborate with QPU designers and packaging teams to translate requirements into DR/PDKs.
• Provide metrology, yield insights back to design and layout iterations.
• Manage daily cleanroom fabrication activities and schedule runs.
• Oversee R&D projects for novel materials and process steps for next-gen QPU platforms.
• Drive external collaborations with foundries and research institutes.
• Lead process transfer and contract negotiation for external fabrication.
• Conduct RCA and PFMEA for integration failures and lot losses.
• Define SPC guidelines and process windows across runs.
• Mentor junior engineers and document SOPs.
• Author process specifications and roadmaps for executive reviews.

Skills

FEOL/BEOL integration

Project management

DOE/PFMEA

Cleanroom experience

Technical writing

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in Microelectronics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Nanotechnology, or related field

Tools

KLayout

Cadence

Python

MATLAB

Job description

eleQtron develops and operates full-stack quantum computers based on trapped-ion technology. Quantum computing is a new computing paradigm rapidly approaching commercial viability. Our unique approach combines laser-cooled trapped ions with microwave control and tailored magnetic fields. Our next-generation computing machines under development will be able to find solutions to problems that are out of reach today, thus enabling new innovative products and services for a brighter future.

We are looking for a Senior QPU Integration Engineer (Micro-fabrication focused). You will be a lead technical expert in our QPU Development team, driving the physical integration, yield optimization, and technology transfer of next-generation quantum processor architectures. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the primary bridge between chip design teams and fabrication engineers. You will own both front-end-of-line (FEOL) and back-end-of-line (BEOL) fabrication modules, leading R&D activities within our internal cleanroom facility while managing strategic development projects with external foundry partners.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for critical FEOL/BEOL fabrication modules (e.g., advanced lithography, thin-film deposition, metal/dielectric stack etch, dielectric isolation, surface passivation, and interconnects).
• Lead end-to-end integration flows, evaluating and optimizing process interactions across multi-layer QPU stack architectures.
• Collaborate closely with QPU designers, device physics teams, and packaging specialists to translate architectural requirements into manufacturable Design Rules (DRC) and process design kits (PDKs).
• Feed cleanroom metrology, yield data, and failure analysis insights directly back into design and layout iterations.
• Take the lead in managing daily internal cleanroom fabrication activities, schedule runs, set process baselines, and resolve real-time process deviations.
• Oversee internal R&D projects to develop, qualify, and integrate novel materials, geometries, and process steps for next-gen QPU platforms.
• Drive technology development and project management with external commercial foundry partners and research institutes.
• Lead process transfer, yield matching, and contract negotiation for out-of-house fabrication and prototyping runs.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) for critical integration failures, lot losses, or performance degradation.
• Define and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) guidelines, process windows, and target specifications across internal and external fabrication runs.
• Mentor junior fabrication engineers and technicians on advanced processing techniques, cleanroom protocols, and experimental design (DOE).
• Author comprehensive process specifications, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical roadmaps for executive and cross-functional review.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Microelectronics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Nanotechnology, or a related field.
• 5+ years (or equivalent extensive industry experience) of hands-on semiconductor or quantum hardware integration experience in a professional cleanroom environment (Class 10 / 100 / ISO 4–5).
• Deep technical expertise in both Front-End (FEOL) and Back-End (BEOL) module development (e.g., e-beam/optical lithography, PVD/ALD thin films, reactive ion etching (RIE/DRIE), planarization, lift-off processes, and flip-chip/interconnect technologies).
• Proven track record of taking complex solid-state micro/nano devices from initial R&D concept to stable, repeatable integration flows.
• Demonstrated experience in managing joint development projects (JDPs) or technology transfers with commercial external foundries or external fabrication partners.
• Strong project management capabilities, including timeline tracking, deliverable management, and milestone execution.
• Solid understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), PFMEA, and structured RCA techniques (e.g., 8D, Fishbone).
• Proficiency with layout and data tools (e.g., KLayout, Cadence, Python/MATLAB for yield and parametric analysis).
• Fluent in English (written and spoken) with excellent technical writing and presentation skills.

We value (Bonus):

• Experience in quantum hardware integration (e.g., superconducting circuits, trapped-ion traps, spin qubits, or photonic chips).
• Experience developing novel low-loss dielectric materials, superconducting interconnects, or 3D integration / TSV technologies.
• Proven experience establishing a cleanroom process baseline or setting up new-process lines/tools from scratch.
• Background in managing foundry contracts, IP considerations, and wafer delivery schedules.

What you can expect from eleQtron?

• Competitive salary: We value our team members and therefore provide remunerations that reflect this, additionally rewarding achievements.
• Flexible working hours: We offer personal freedom through a variety of flexible work schedules
• Team spirit: In our international and diverse team, and with our regular team events, having fun at work is simply part of the culture
• Further development: We want to grow together and so we offer our team members needs-based, individualized further training as well as plenty of room for personal development
• Wellness Package: We offer health-promoting benefits such as fitness programs like UrbanSportsClub to support your well-being
• Bike Leasing: Stay Mobile and Sustainable with Our Company Bike Leasing Program
• Moving Benefits: A warm welcome! We are happy to support employees who move for us with a bonus
• At the forefront: Work at the forefront of technology, where academic research meets commercial applications
• Modern workplace: We have a high-quality infrastructure with laboratory space, offices and meeting rooms