Research Scientist / Engineer, Superconducting Quantum Hardware

VTT; Espoo; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

VTT seeks a Research Scientist / Engineer in Superconducting Quantum Hardware to join our Quantum Computing Hardware team in Espoo. The role spans fabrication, device design, and characterization across the full development cycle, from materials to device testing.

You will collaborate with experts in quantum technology, microfabrication, and materials, contributing to state-of-the-art superconducting devices and scalable hardware concepts.

Qualifications

• Degree in quantum technology, superconducting circuits, micro- and nanofabrication, microelectronics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the listed areas.
• Curious, systematic, and motivated by solving challenging technical problems.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development of superconducting qubits and quantum hardware components.
• Fabricate superconducting circuits and Josephson junctions using advanced micro- and nanofabrication techniques.
• Develop, optimize, and qualify cleanroom processes to improve device performance, reproducibility, and yield.
• Design and develop new hardware components and fabrication test structures.
• Characterize fabricated devices using room-temperature electrical measurements, microscopy, and other relevant techniques.
• Depending on interests, participate in cryogenic measurements and characterization of superconducting devices.
• Analyze experimental data and investigate the relationship between fabrication processes, device properties, and quantum-device performance.
• Identify technical challenges and develop practical solutions with colleagues from different areas of expertise.
• Contribute to process integration, technology development, and scaling of superconducting hardware.
• Work with cleanroom staff and operate relevant fabrication equipment, while contributing to process documentation and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with researchers working on circuit design, quantum measurements, materials, microfabrication, and related technologies.
• Communicate technical results and collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Contribute to research projects, publications, technology demonstrations, and other project deliverables.

Skills

Superconducting qubits

Josephson junction devices

Cleanroom fabrication

Thin-film deposition

Lithography

Cryogenic characterization

Quantum hardware design

Wafer-scale process development

Device physics

Education

Degree in quantum technology or related field

Job description

Are you interested in superconducting quantum technology and developing the next generation of quantum hardware? Would you like to combine hands-on work in a state-of-the-art cleanroom with device development, characterization, and broader quantum hardware research? VTT might be just the place for you.

VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. What unites us are curiosity, a passion for learning and a purpose: to solve the biggest challenges of our timeand turn them into sustainable growth and well-being. Our cross-disciplinary community of over 2000 brilliant minds from 55+ different nationalities focuses on creating impact through science-based innovation. In recent years, we have created ground-breaking innovations such as the world's fastest and most accurate radiation detector, a cancer-sniffing sensor device for smartphones, and a headphone set entirely made of microbial materials. Get to know us further by exploring VTT's tech & infra .

We are now looking for a Research Scientist / Engineer in Superconducting Quantum Hardware to join our Quantum Computing Hardware team within Microelectronics and Quantum Research.

This is a versatile and multidisciplinary position where you can contribute to different stages of the quantum hardware development cycle. Cleanroom fabrication of superconducting qubits and related devices is an important part of the role, but the position is not limited to fabrication. Depending on your background, experience, and interests, you may contribute to process development, device design, fabrication, electrical characterization, cryogenic measurements, data analysis, and the development of new quantum hardware concepts.

You will work closely with experts across quantum technology, microfabrication, device physics, and characterization. The role therefore provides an opportunity to develop a broad understanding of how superconducting quantum devices are designed, fabricated, measured, and improved, while also allowing you to develop deeper expertise in your area of interest.

Our team develops scalable superconducting devices and integration technologies for quantum computing. We work across the full hardware development chain, from materials and fabrication processes to superconducting circuits and device characterization. We collaborate with leading academic and industrial partners in Finland and internationally.

As Research Engineer/Scientist, you will:

• Contribute to the development of superconducting qubits and other quantum hardware components.
• Participate in the fabrication of superconducting circuits and Josephson junctions using advanced micro- and nanofabrication techniques.
• Develop, optimize, and qualify cleanroom processes to improve device performance, reproducibility, and yield.
• Design and develop new hardware components and fabrication test structures.
• Characterize fabricated devices using room-temperature electrical measurements, microscopy, and other relevant techniques.
• Depending on your interests and experience, participate in cryogenic measurements and characterization of superconducting devices.
• Analyze experimental data and investigate the relationship between fabrication processes, device properties, and quantum-device performance.
• Identify technical challenges and develop practical solutions together with colleagues from different areas of expertise.
• Contribute to process integration, technology development, and scaling of superconducting hardware.
• Work with cleanroom staff and operate relevant fabrication equipment, while also contributing to process documentation and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with researchers working on circuit design, quantum measurements, materials, microfabrication, and related technologies.
• Communicate technical results and collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Contribute to research projects, publications, technology demonstrations, and other project deliverables.

The exact balance of these activities will depend on your background and interests. We are looking for people who are excited to work across disciplinary boundaries and who would like to develop both breadth and depth in quantum hardware.

Who we are looking for:

We are interested in both junior and experienced professionals with a background and have a degree in quantum technology, superconducting circuits, micro- and nanofabrication, microelectronics, or related fields.

To be considered for this position, you should have demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Superconducting qubits or superconducting circuits
• Josephson junction devices
• Cleanroom fabrication and nanofabrication
• Thin-film deposition, lithography, or dry/wet etching
• Semiconductor or microelectronics process development
• Electrical or cryogenic characterization of superconducting devices
• Quantum hardware design or device physics
• Wafer-scale process development and integration

You do not need to be an expert in all of these areas. We value people who bring strong expertise in one area while being interested in learning and contributing to others.

We hope that you are:

You are curious, systematic, and motivated by solving challenging technical problems. You enjoy hands-on experimental work but are equally comfortable analyzing results, discussing ideas, and working with colleagues from different disciplines. You are able to work independently while contributing actively to a collaborative team.

The position offers flexibility to develop your role according to your strengths. For example, your work could evolve towards fabrication and process development, device design, experimental characterization, cryogenic measurements, or broader quantum hardware development.

Interested and want to hear more?

For further information, please contact Research Team Leader Jorden Senior, [e-mail].

We look forward to hearing from you!

VTT Location: Tietotie 3