Senior hardware engineer

QT Sense B.V.; Groningen; Hybrid; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

QT Sense B.V. in Groningen seeks a Senior Hardware Engineer to transition a current prototype into a robust, customer-ready instrument and to shape the roadmap for future product generations. You will work with optics, electronics, and software teams to drive innovation, performance, and usability.

The role requires a PhD in Physics or Electrical Engineering and hands-on experience in fast-paced R&D environments, with exposure to NV centers and advanced instrumentation.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Fast-paced, multidisciplinary R&D experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead optical, electronic, and mechanical optimization in the prototype to a robust system.
• Collaborate with software and application teams to ensure integration and performance.
• Own project planning, milestones, and timely delivery.
• Drive new features and capabilities for future generations.
• Bridge research, engineering, and early-stage production through the product cycle.

Skills

Circuit design

Prototyping

Multidisciplinary R&D

Education

PhD in Physics

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Job description

We are seeking a motivated Senior Hardware / Electrical Engineer to join our team in Groningen and help drive the development of cutting‑edge quantum sensing technology. In this role, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in circuit design, prototyping, and compliance while collaborating closely with experts across optics, software, and biomedical engineering.

QT Sense is a deep‑tech startup at the forefront of quantum sensing in live‑cell biology. Based in the Netherlands, we build cutting‑edge scientific instruments that allow researchers to probe living cells at the quantum level. Our mission is to unlock new understanding of diseases and enable entirely new approaches to diagnostics and drug discovery.

Our flagship system, Quantum Nuova, leverages nitrogen‑vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds and operates on the principles of diamond relaxometry. It integrates multiple high‑precision components—including lasers, actuators, lenses, and detectors—all of which must be precisely synchronized to measure paramagnetic species and capture optical signals from living biological samples.

Your Role

As Senior Hardware Engineer, you’ll help transition our current prototype into a robust, customer‑ready instrument—and shape the roadmap for future generations of the platform. You’ll work closely with our optics, electronics, and software teams to drive innovation, performance, and usability.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the optimization of optical, electronic, and mechanical components in the current prototype toward a robust, user‑ready system.
• Collaborate closely with the software team and application scientists to ensure seamless integration and performance.
• Take ownership of project planning, execution, and delivery milestones, ensuring timelines and technical goals are met.
• Drive the development of new features and system capabilities for future product iterations.
• Act as a key link between research, engineering, and early‑stage production, supporting the full product development cycle.

Education and Background

We’re looking for a technically strong candidate with a:

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary R&D environment

Beneficial (but not strictly required) Experience

• Hands‑on experience with NV centers, advanced microscopy systems, or sensor hardware
• Background in commercial product development or instrument prototyping
• Familiarity with complex opto‑electromechanical systems

Personal Qualities

• Creative, out‑of‑the‑box thinker with the ability to extract valuable insights from complex systems
• Strong analytical mindset combined with a pragmatic, hands‑on attitude
• Comfortable with both big‑picture system design and in‑depth technical work
• Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex concepts for varied stakeholders
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)

Location:Groningen, The Netherlands

Location: Blauwborgje 31, 9747 AW Groningen, The Netherlands

Job type: Full-Time
Experience level:SeniorSalary: Competitive