Quantum Optical Engineer

TNO; Delft; On-site; EUR 39,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gross monthly salary €3500–€5500

8% holiday pay

13th month bonus 8.33%

Flex budget

33 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Mobility plan

Flexible working hours

Option to work from home

Job summary

TNO’s Quantum Communications team is seeking a Quantum Optical Engineer to design, build and test experimental optical setups in a hands-on role. You will work on quantum communication experiments, including QKD, bridging theory and practice in a collaborative lab environment.

You will combine practical engineering with theoretical insights, leading experiments from concept to results while interacting with experts across disciplines to advance quantum technologies.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in quantum optics experiments.
• Ability to lead and own experiments in the lab.
• Interest in theory of quantum optics and quantum communication.
• Experience with scientific programming and simulating experimental effects.
• Ability to translate theory into practical experimental solutions.
• Independent design, execution and improvement of experiments.
• Collaborative mindset within a team of specialists.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and test quantum optical setups.
• Conduct experiments and analyze results to improve systems.
• Work on experiments involving quantum communication and QKD.
• Collaborate with experts from multiple disciplines in a lab setting.

Skills

Practical quantum optics experiments

Lead experimental work in lab

Theoretical understanding of quantum O

Scientific programming

Translate theory to practice

Independence in designing experiments

Collaborative teamwork

Job description

About this position

Quantum technology is one of the most promising and rapidly emerging technologies of our time. Within TNO’s Quantum Technology department, research focuses on three key areas: quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing. You contribute to projects carried out both directly for customers and in close collaboration with partners within the Dutch and European quantum ecosystem. At TNO, we turn leading scientific knowledge into new technological solutions and applications. We design and build systems that make use of quantum properties and bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications through test setups, demonstrators and product development.

As a Quantum Optical Engineer, you work within our Quantum Communications team on experimental systems for quantum communication, including Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). You combine your knowledge of quantum optics with practical engineering. You build, test and improve optical setups that allow us to investigate how quantum communication can work in practice.

What will be your role?

TNO’s Quantum Communications team combines expertise in quantum optics, free-space optics, quantum software engineering and electronics. These disciplines come together in the demonstrator experiments you will work on. Your work is highly experimental. You design, build and test quantum optical setups and ensure that different optical and technical components function together as an integrated system. You conduct experiments, analyse the results and use theoretical knowledge and simulations to understand what is happening and how a setup can be improved. You will work on experiments involving quantum communication and QKD. This work takes place in the laboratory, but may also involve experiments outside the controlled lab environment. This allows you to investigate not only whether a principle works in theory, but also how the technology performs in practical settings. You do this together with experts from different disciplines, while also taking independent responsibility for your own experiments. You contribute your own expertise and ideas, are confident in challenging technical choices and help your colleagues arrive at a system that works effectively as a whole.

What we expect from you

We are looking for an engineer or physicist who is excited by complex optical experiments and enjoys building, testing and improving them hands-on.

You bring:

• Practical experience with experiments in the field of quantum optics.
• The drive to lead and carry out experiments in the laboratory.
• An interest in the theoretical aspects of quantum optics and quantum communication.
• Experience with scientific programming and software-based simulation of experimental effects.
• The ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical experimental solutions.
• Independence and ownership in designing, conducting and improving experiments.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to contribute your own technical perspective within a team of specialists.

In short:

An engineer or physicist who enjoys hands-on experimental work and can also underpin that work with a strong theoretical understanding.

What you’ll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career.

• We offer a gross monthly salary between € 3500,- and € 5500,- (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180).
• All opportunities to develop yourself.
• Choice for career path: commerce or consultancy, project management, sustainable innovations, technical expert.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation.

You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full-time basis).
• An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work part-time (32 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• A good pension scheme.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow. Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results. At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

The selection process

The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a third and final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.