Theory Lead

Airbus Ventures; Paris; Hybrid; EUR 92,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options for every employee

Sponsored trip to conferences

Swile meal vouchers

Mental health support

Training budget / Learning allowance

Sabbatical leave

Vibrant office culture in Paris

Job summary

C12 Quantum Electronics in Paris seeks a Theory Lead to steer the Theory & Applications team across hardware modeling, error correction, and quantum algorithms for industrial use. You will guide the theory roadmap, mentor researchers, and shape scalable quantum computing architectures while collaborating with academia and partners.

The role requires strong quantum computing expertise, leadership, and the ability to align scientific vision with hardware feasibility and business priorities.

Qualifications

• Strong background in quantum computing with expertise in either Quantum Error Correction or Quantum Algorithms.
• Broad understanding of the quantum computing stack and ability to engage across theory and hardware.
• Architectural understanding of scalable quantum computing and fault‑tolerant strategies.
• Demonstrated scientific leadership with ability to articulate vision and drive execution.
• Experience leading or mentoring research teams and connecting theory with hardware constraints.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the company’s theory roadmap, aligning with hardware development and business priorities.
• Strengthen the error correction strategy from code benchmarking to fault‑tolerance roadmap.
• Drive co‑design between hardware and theory teams with domain experts for scalable architectures.
• Recruit, mentor and structure the theory team as the company grows.
• Establish collaborations with academia and research partners to boost scientific visibility.
• Prioritize research directions and resources while balancing ambition, feasibility, and impact.

Skills

Quantum Error Correction

Quantum Algorithms

Scientific leadership

Job description

Founded in 2020 and based in the heart of Paris, C12’s mission is to be at the center of one of the biggest technological breakthroughs of the century and change the course of history by building a universal quantum computer.

At C12, we believe that achieving a true breakthrough in quantum computing requires rethinking the fundamentals. That’s why our founders—deeply rooted in academic and engineering excellence—have chosen carbon nanotubes as the building blocks of our quantum processors. This ultra‑pure material dramatically reduces error rates, boosts performance, and minimizes hardware overhead—key ingredients for scalable, fault‑tolerant quantum computing. By crafting a unique approach that scales, we aim to revolutionize quantum computing just as silicon transformed classical computing.

Since our founding, we’ve raised over €25 million in funding, published 11 scientific papers, and secured 8 patents. Today, our fast‑growing team of 80+, including 25 PhDs, has over 26 nationalities represented. We have our own cutting‑edge lab spaces in Paris' historic Panthéon district, where scientists, engineers, and innovators work side‑by‑side to tackle some of the most exciting technical challenges of our time.

If you're passionate about shaping the future of quantum technology and want to make a real impact, C12 offers a unique environment to grow, learn, and innovate.

Your role at C12 Quantum Electronics:

As Theory Lead at C12, you are expected to lead and coordinate the Theory & Applications team across three main areas:

• Hardware Modeling
• Quantum Error Correction
• Quantum Algorithms for Industrial Applications

Key responsibilities:

• You will define and drive the company’s theory roadmap, leveraging the expertise of team members to align with hardware development, business priorities and industrial quantum advantage opportunities.
• You will strengthen the company’s error correction strategy, from quantum error correction code benchmarking to implementation and fault‑tolerance roadmap.
• You will drive co‑design efforts between hardware and theory teams, working closely with domain experts to define scalable quantum computing architectures and long‑term scalability strategies.
• You will recruit, mentor and structure the theory team as the company grows.
• You will establish collaborations with academia and research partners, and contribute to the scientific visibility and positioning of the company within the quantum ecosystem.
• You will prioritize research directions and resources by balancing scientific ambition, hardware feasibility and business impact, while building consensus across technical experts.

About you:

• You have a strong background in quantum computing with expertise in either Quantum Error Correction or Quantum Algorithms.
• You have a broad understanding of the quantum computing stack and ability to engage effectively with experts across theory and hardware domains.
• You have an architecture‑level understanding of scalable quantum computing and fault‑tolerant strategies.
• You have demonstrated scientific leadership, with the ability to articulate a vision, align experts and drive execution.
• You have an ability to connect theoretical developments with experimental and hardware constraints.
• Experience leading or mentoring research teams is highly appreciated.
• Experience working in startups or fast‑paced private‑sector environments is highly appreciated.

What we offer:

• 92,000 euros to 108,000 euros yearly base salary.
• Stock options for every employee (BSPCE/ESOP).
• Sponsored trip to conferences around the world.
• A highly dynamic international team.
• Swile meal vouchers.
• Mental health support through Moka.care.
• Training budget / Annual Learning & Development Allowance.
• Sabbatical leave (after 2 years in the company).
• Vibrant office culture (two office spaces in the heart of Paris, team lunches, offsite events, Friday breakfasts).

You should join us if:

• You like hands‑on work and technology.
• You want to contribute to achieving landmark results in quantum computing, making a difference in the emerging quantum technologies.
• You want to work within a team of 80+ people with various backgrounds in nanofabrication, quantum electronics, and carbon nanotube science to create a revolutionary quantum computing processor.
• You want to thrive in an exceptional scientific environment with several industrial and academic partners.
• You share our values (excellence, scientific integrity, diversity, curiosity, and care) and want to help us define our product‑focused culture and ambition to accelerate.

We still encourage even if you don’t meet all the requirements. Rest assured, we are committed to finding the right fit for our team and are open to adjusting compensations based on skills and experiences.

Applications from women are especially welcomed!