Quantum Sensing Engineer

Gradiant; Vigo; Hybrid; EUR 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teleworking and office

Training budget

Flexible pay options

Fruit and coffee

Work-life balance

Diversity & inclusion

Birthday holiday

Job summary

Gradiant in Galicia, Spain, is seeking a Quantum Sensing Engineer to advance quantum sensing devices and architectures for telecommunications, defence, aerospace, and biotech. You will contribute to Rydberg atom or NV center based sensing, implement novel concepts, and work in a multidisciplinary team.

The role asks for a PhD or 4+ years in quantum sensing, strong AMO physics knowledge, and excellent English and Spanish.

Qualifications

• PhD or 4+ years in Quantum Sensing projects.
• Know-how on experimental AMO physics, preferably on Rydberg atoms.
• Very good written and spoken English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Implement technical solutions on quantum sensing projects translating requirements into execution.
• Support design and implementation of quantum sensing architectures focusing on opto-atomic interfaces.
• Contribute to compactification and ruggedization of existing setups and subsystems.
• Participate in generation and management of technological products and projects with the Head of Quantum Technologies.
• Generate innovative ideas for the evolution of the Quantum Technology Strategy with the Head of Quantum Technologies.
• Mentor and supervise trainees, junior engineers and researchers.
• Present scientific or technical results at conferences and events.

Skills

Quantum sensing

Optics

Experimentation

Teamwork

English/Spanish proficiency

Education

PhD or 4+ years in Quantum Sensing

Tools

Optics equipment

Lasers

Microwave spectroscopy

Rydberg atoms

Job description

Gradiant is a leading technology centre in Galicia. Leveraging our capabilities in quantum technologies, photonics, advanced communications, electronics, signal processing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, we are developing deep tech R&D&I solutions across four core areas: connectivity, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced sensing. Since 2008, we have been transforming knowledge into real innovation for companies, leading the entire R&D&I cycle through to technology transfer.

Our team is made up of professionals who are passionate about technology, social impact, and excellence. If you are looking for a dynamic environment with a real impact on the business world and a horizontal work culture, keep reading!

About the Technology Area

You will join the Quantum Technologies team, part of the Advanced Communications area. You will contribute to the growth of an R&D&I line focused on quantum sensing, with a major focus on conceptualizing, implementing and validating quantum sensing solutions and applications for telecommunications, defence, aerospace, biotech or other relevant fields. In this role, you will have the opportunity to carry out and lead cutting-edge innovation projects where you will implement disruptive solutions to enhance electromagnetic field detection based on Rydberg atom and/or nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center systems. You will work in a dynamic and constantly evolving innovation environment, with the opportunity to leave your fingerprint within a multidisciplinary and collaborative setting.

We are looking for a profile with experience in experimental atomic physics, laser spectroscopy, optoelectronics and/or experimental solid-state physics, capable of ensuring the development of high-quality solutions aligned with established requirements, while actively collaborating with leading organizations in the Quantum Sensing sector.

What will you do?

You will be part of the Quantum Technologies line, within the Advanced Communications Area, developing cutting‑edge quantum technologies with real societal impact. You will advance the readiness of quantum sensing devices for robust operational deployment, contributing to the conceptualization and implementation of novel architectures for specific use cases.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Implementing technical solutions on quantum sensing projects, translating requirements into effective technical execution.
• Supporting the design and implementation of quantum sensing architectures, with a special focus on opto-atomic interfaces.
• Contributing to the compactification and ruggedization of existing setups and subsystems, ensuring performance.
• Participating in the generation and management of technological products and projects, in coordination with the Head of Quantum Technologies.
• Generating innovative ideas for the evolution of the Quantum Technology Strategy, with a view to broadening our R&D horizons, in coordination with the Head of Quantum Technologies.
• Mentoring and supervising trainees, junior engineers and researchers, fostering technical growth, knowledge sharing, and strong team collaboration.
• Presenting scientific results or technical results at relevant events and conferences on occasion.

A highly motivated Quantum Sensing Engineer with extensive knowledge of quantum optics, optoelectronics and experimental atomic systems or diamond sensors. The candidate shall have strong communication skills and enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams, contributing collaboratively while taking ownership of technical tasks. The candidate should be a detail-oriented problem solver and have a strong interest in innovation and continuous learning.

The applicant should have a background in physics, telecommunications engineering, electronic engineering or other related field, with demonstrated experience in quantum sensing.

In addition, we require you to have the following experience:

• PhD or 4+ experience in projects related to Quantum Sensing.
• Know-how on experimental AMO (atomic, molecular & optical) physics, preferably on Rydberg atoms.
• Understanding color defects in diamond or similar solid-state platforms.
• Hands-on experience with optics, optoelectronic devices, detection systems, lasers and microwave spectroscopy.
• High commitment and work autonomy.
• Strong ability to work on a team.
• Very good written and spoken English and Spanish language level.

It would be great that you have...

• Experience with atom-optical interfaces and atomic system integration.
• Knowledge of optical design tools, e.g. Zemax or CODE V.
• Worked with custom-made diode-laser systems and prototypes.
• Experience in project leadership or technical coordination, such as task planning, milestone tracking, and supervision of technical teams.
• Previous training in project management or interest in evolving in such direction.

What we offer

• Salary: From 32.000€SBA + 10% variable depending on your knowledge, experience and desire. This is the starting point, the idea is to find an agreement during the process.
• 23 days of holidays + your birthday + 24th and 31st of December, you will have 26 days of holidays!
• #TroulaDays What's this? At Gradiant you'll be able to choose one Friday off a month, so you can switch off and enjoy a longer weekend.
• Teleworking and office. Decide how and when you want to work with your team to strike a balance.
• Personal training budget. We want to help you improve your technical skills, feel involved in the tech community and develop your soft skills to lead teams and/or lead projects.
• We will provide you with all the necessary equipment so that you can work comfortably.
• Flexible salary. Today, we offer various services through flexible pay, restaurant vouchers, childcare, transport, medical insurance...
• Work-life balance. Your work-life balance is really important to us.
• Our culture is our goal: a working environment where horizontal communication is our maxim.
• Continuous training. We like to exchange knowledge, so we offer internal training courses in which you can participate as an assistant or driver!
• Coming to the office has endless advantages, including enjoying fresh fruit and a good coffee with your colleagues every day.
• Do you need to improve your English? You will have the possibility to take English classes if your duties require it.
• We promote a work enviroment based on equal opportunities and believe in the value of diversity and inclusion. We welcome everyone to join our team—regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation, beliefs, or disability. What truly matters is your desire to grow at Gradiant.

If you’re passionate about data, technological infrastructure, working with brilliant teams, and want to make an impact on European technological innovation, Gradiant is the place for you.