Quantum Hardware Engineer - Optical Systems

planqc; Garching bei München; Vor Ort; EUR 80.000 - 110.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

planqc is building scalable quantum computers using neutral atoms. As a Quantum Hardware Engineer – Optical Systems, you will own optical subsystems from requirements through design, integration and verification, focusing on beam delivery, imaging, and metrology.

This hands-on role blends optical design with lab work, offering the chance to industrialize cutting-edge optics for large-scale quantum computing, and to work with an international team across disciplines.

Qualifikationen

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Experimental Physics, Mechanical Engineering (optics focus), or related field.
• Experience designing, realizing, and verifying precision optical systems in industrial or research settings.
• Experience with optical design methods, tolerancing, simulation, CAD, and optical metrology.
• Strong hands-on lab skills including assembly, alignment, cleaning, and testing.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of free-space optics, fiber optics, imaging optics, or electro-optic technologies.

Aufgaben

• Own the engineering lifecycle of optical systems from requirements to verification.
• Design and realize precision optical systems for beam delivery, shaping, imaging, and metrology.
• Establish methods for optical design, characterization, and performance verification using simulations and metrology tools.
• Specify, evaluate, and qualify optical components with partners and external development/manufacturing teams.
• Develop standardized assembly, alignment, characterization, and acceptance procedures.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve optical system issues through development, integration, and operation.
• Collaborate with quantum engineering and hardware teams to realize integrated optical solutions.

Kenntnisse

Optical design

Laboratory skills

Documentation & communication

System integration

Tolerancing & metrology

Ausbildung

M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD software

Metrology equipment

Jobbeschreibung

Your mission

At planqc, we are building scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms, one of the most promising platforms for achieving real-world quantum advantage. The performance of our quantum processors depend critically on the precision, stability and reliability of their optical subsystems. From trapping and transporting atoms to qubit control and state detection, almost every key function relies on carefully engineered optics.

As a Quantum Hardware Engineer – Optical Systems, you will take ownership of the optical systems that enable our quantum computers. You will translate system requirements into robust optical solutions and drive them through their complete engineering lifecycle: from concept development through design, realization, integration and verification. Your work will span areas such as beam delivery and shaping, imaging, optical metrology, and optical integration, In close collaboration with experts for quantum physics, laser systems, mechanics, electronics and software.

This role is ideal for hands‑on optical engineers who enjoy combining optical design with practical laboratory work, take pride in building reliable and well‑characterized systems, and want to help industrialize cutting‑edge optical technology for large‑scale quantum computing.

Your responsibilities

• Own the engineering lifecycle of optical systems, from system requirements and concept development through design, integration, verification, and continuous improvement.
• Design and realize precision optical systems for applications including beam delivery, beam shaping, beam steering, imaging, and optical metrology.
• Establish and apply methods for optical design, characterization, and performance verification using optical simulation and metrology tools.
• Specify, evaluate, and qualify optical components and assemblies in collaboration with external development and manufacturing partners.
• Develop standardized assembly, alignment, characterization, and acceptance procedures to ensure robust, scalable, and maintainable optical systems.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve optical system issues throughout development, integration, and operation.
• Collaborate closely with quantum engineering and hardware engineering teams to realize integrated optical solutions.

What you bring

• Degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in Optical Engineering, Experimental Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with an optics focus), or a related discipline.
• Experience designing, realizing, and verifying precision optical systems in an industrial or research environment.
• Experience with optical design and engineering methods, including tolerancing, simulation, CAD, and optical metrology.
• Strong hands‑on laboratory skills, including optical assembly, alignment, cleaning, and testing.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• Working knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
  • Free‑space laser optics
  • Fiber optics and fiber coupling
  • Imaging optics
  • Electro‑optic and acousto‑optic technologies

Nice to have

• Experience taking optical systems from concept to production.
• Background in stability engineering, including the mitigation of thermal, mechanical, or optical drift.
• Experience developing precision optical systems or instrumentation, for example in the semiconductor, optical metrology, microscopy, or laser industries.
• Experience with neutral‑atom, ion‑trap, or other quantum computing or quantum sensing platforms.
• Experience working in a dynamic startup or other fast‑paced engineering environment.

What characterizes you

• You enjoy solving challenging engineering problems in the lab and turning complexity into simple, effective solutions.
• You don't stop when something works, you want to understand why it works.
• You enjoy working at the interface between physics and engineering.
• You are excited to help make scalable quantum computing a reality.

Why join planqc

At planqc, you will work on one of the most promising quantum computing architectures alongside a highly driven and collaborative team spanning physics, engineering, and software.

We combine deep‑tech research with an engineering mindset, turning scientific breakthroughs into scalable quantum systems.

Joining us means:

• Working on cutting‑edge neutral atom quantum hardware
• Taking ownership of critical optical subsystems from day one
• Collaborating with an exceptional, international team across disciplines
• Contributing to a fast‑growing quantum startup at a pivotal stage

In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package including professional development opportunities, conference participation, health benefits, company pension and much more!

If you're excited about building the optical heart of next‑generation neutral‑atom quantum computers, we'd love to hear from you.