Senior Embedded (ARM) Engineer - Quantum Computing (m/w/d)

eleQtron; Wilhelmshausen; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible hours

Team events

Development programs

Wellness benefits

Bike leasing

Moving assistance

Cutting edge tech

Modern workspace

Job summary

eleQtron in Germany is seeking a Senior Embedded (ARM) Engineer to own the real-time firmware of our control electronics for quantum computing. You will work at the heart of the machine, ensuring the correct signal reaches the ions with nanosecond precision.

You will implement architecture, drivers, and a robust development process, collaborate with physicists and engineers, and bring up firmware on new hardware while keeping latency deterministic and reliable.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of embedded software experience in real-time or timing-critical systems.
• Strong C/C++ on ARM, close-to-hardware development.
• Experience with bare-metal or RTOS, and selecting appropriate environment.
• Ability to read schematics and debug hardware with probes and JTAG.
• Ability to translate physical requirements into robust firmware.
• Excellent English communication.

Responsibilities

• Own embedded firmware on ARM-based control platform from architecture to on-hardware debugging.
• Develop real-time software layer coordinating pulse sequencing, timing, and data flow.
• Write and maintain low-level drivers and board support packages.
• Ensure deterministic, low-latency behavior under real-time constraints.
• Lead firmware bring-up with electronics and physics teams.
• Define firmware architecture, build, test, and release processes.
• Interface embedded layer with rest of stack so software experiments run correctly on machine.

Skills

C/C++ on ARM

Real-time software

Bare-metal/RTOS

Hardware debugging

Interrupts & DMA

Firmware bring-up

English proficiency

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

JTAG

Schematic reading

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 Embedded (ARM) Engineer (m/f/d) to join us in Hamburg or Siegen and own the real-time firmware that turns our control electronics into a working quantum computer. You will work on our next-generation system, where the control electronics are being integrated into a single, highly integrated chip. You sit at the heart of the machine, between the hardware that generates the pulses and the higher-level software that describes the experiments. Timing is not a detail here; it is the product. You are the person who makes sure the right signal reaches the ions at the right nanosecond, reliably, run after run.

Responsibilities:

• Own the embedded firmware on our ARM-based control platform, from architecture through implementation to on-hardware debugging
• Develop and maintain the real-time software layer that coordinates pulse sequencing, timing, and data flow across our highly integrated control chip
• Write and maintain the low-level drivers and board support the hardware relies on
• Guarantee deterministic, low-latency behaviour under hard real-time constraints
• Lead firmware bring-up together with our electronics and physics teams, and debug at the boundary where software meets signal
• Define the firmware architecture and engineering practices — build, test, and release processes for the embedded layer as the system matures
• Contribute to the interfaces between the embedded layer and the rest of the stack, so experiments defined in software run correctly on the machine

Required Skills:

• 5+ years of professional embedded software development for real-time or timing-critical systems
• Deep command of C (and ideally C++) on ARM platforms, working close to the hardware
• Experience with bare-metal and/or RTOS environments, and a clear understanding of when each is appropriate
• Comfortable reading schematics and datasheets, and debugging real hardware with oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and JTAG
• Strong grasp of real-time concepts: interrupts, DMA, timing, concurrency, and determinism
• A track record of bringing up firmware on new hardware, not only maintaining existing systems
• Ability to collaborate effectively with experimental physicists and engineers, and to turn imprecise physical requirements into robust firmware
• Strong adaptability and a quick learning mindset
• Good proficiency in English (written and spoken)
  

Nice to have (Bonus)

• Experience on highly integrated SoCs, particularly ARM+FPGA platforms such as Xilinx Zynq / RFSoC
• Working alongside FPGA/digital-electronics engineers at the software–gateware boundary
• Rust for embedded systems
• Embedded Linux on ARM (Cortex-A), including driver and kernel-module work
• Signal processing or control-loop implementation on embedded targets
• Experience with high-speed data acquisition or precision timing systemsFamiliarity with laboratory, scientific, or measurement instrumentation
• Prior experience with quantum computing or other deep-tech domains

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