Head of Quantum Hardware

Groove Quantum; Delft; Hybrid; EUR 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Hybrid work model

30 days paid vacation

Equity / stock appreciation rights

conference travel

Job summary

Groove Quantum in Delft, Netherlands seeks an experienced scientific and technical leader to guide our experimental quantum hardware program, driving next-generation semiconductor quantum processors.

You will oversee fabrication, cryogenic measurement, qubit operation, and coordination with the CTO, bridging science and engineering in a fast-growing deep-tech startup.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related quantum field.
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience.
• Ability to execute complex experimental programs and scale devices.
• Strong ability to communicate across disciplines and externally.

Responsibilities

• Lead Groove's experimental quantum hardware team.
• Define experimental priorities with the CTO and translate roadmap into research programs.
• Drive improvements in qubit control, initialization, readout, coherence, and stability.
• Coordinate experiments across devices, design, semiconductor, software, and QEC teams.
• Lead collaborations, grant proposals, publications, patents, and represent Groove at conferences.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Cross-disciplinary communication

Program execution & scaling

Quantum domain expertise

Education

PhD in experimental quantum physics, quantum engineering, semiconductor physics, or a closely related field

Job description

The role

Provide scientific and technical leadership to lead our experimental quantum hardware program, driving the next generation of semiconductor quantum processors.

Groove Quantum is building the scalable quantum computer of the future based on semiconductor germanium quantum dots. As we scale from high-fidelity few-qubit processors towards large-scale quantum computers, your main mission will be to oversee both our experimental quantum hardware activities and internal device fabrication. Combining the scientific independence of a principal investigator with the pace, focus, and engineering ambition of a deep-tech startup, you will work closely with the CTO to translate our technology roadmap into ambitious R&D programs, taking devices from fabrication through cryogenic measurement and qubit operation.

Main responsibilities

• Team leadership & mentorship: Lead, develop, and mentor Groove's experimental quantum hardware team, guiding scientists and engineers through complex experimental problems.

• R&D strategy & roadmap translation: Partner with the CTO to define experimental priorities and translate the company technology roadmap into concrete, ambitious research programs.

• Qubit performance & scaling: Drive improvements in qubit control, initialization, readout, coherence, and stability across increasingly large quantum-dot arrays.

• Cross-functional integration: Coordinate experimental activities across multiple systems, working closely with device design, semiconductor, software, and QEC teams.

• External representation & IP strategy: Lead collaborative R&D projects, grant proposals, publications, patents, and represent Groove at international scientific conferences.

The team

You will lead our quantum hardware division, with direct management responsibility for scientists and engineers across device fabrication, characterisation, control, and benchmarking. You will work directly alongside the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and collaborate closely with leaders in Device Design, Semiconductor Technology, Control Software, and Quantum Error Correction. This role reports directly to the CTO.
You’ll be joining a dynamic team of exceptionally bright individuals who take their craft seriously, but never take themselves too seriously. We pride ourselves on strong collaboration, an ambitious yet social culture, and genuine good vibes, where high performance and a great team spirit go hand in hand.

Key qualifications

We are looking for an accomplished experimental quantum scientist who combines deep technical authority in spin qubits with exceptional leadership, scientific judgment, and the ability to mentor highly skilled researchers.

• Education: PhD in experimental quantum physics, quantum engineering, semiconductor physics, or a closely related field.

• Quantum domain expertise: Strong scientific track record in experimental quantum computing, specifically with semiconductor spin qubits, including deep knowledge of quantum-device characterisation, control, readout, noise, and coherence.

• Leadership & mentoring: Proven experience supervising, mentoring, or leading team members, helping them solve complex experimental challenges independently.

• Program execution & scaling: Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experimental programs, turn observations into new technical directions, and scale individual devices toward larger arrays.

• Cross-disciplinary communication: Strong ability to collaborate across disciplines and clearly communicate complex technical concepts internally and externally.

Why join Groove Quantum

• Frontier Tech: Tackle high-impact problems at the forefront of the quantum revolution.

• A World-Class Team: Collaborate with an ambitious, international, and creative team in Delft's premier quantum ecosystem.

• Flexibility & Balance: Enjoy flexible hours, hybrid work, and 30 days of paid vacation (plus public holidays).

• Financial Growth & Equity: Receive a competitive salary, an 8% holiday allowance, and stock appreciation rights.

• Global Network: Expand your horizons with full backing for international conference travel and industry partnerships.

We are committed to building an inclusive, supportive workplace where initiative is celebrated. Join us, bring your ideas, and scale your career as we shape the future of quantum technology.