Quantum Hardware Engineer

Garching b. München (DE), Ulm (DE)

Full-time

Permanent employee

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Your mission

At planqc, we are building scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms — one of the most promising platforms for achieving real-world quantum advantage.

As a (Senior) Quantum Hardware Engineer, you will play a central role in bringing our quantum systems from concept to reality. Working at the intersection of AMO physics and engineering, you will take ownership of critical subsystems within our quantum computing platform and drive them from design through integration and operation.

In close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams across software, electronics, mechanics, and quantum algorithms, you will help translate cutting-edge research into robust, scalable hardware. Your work will directly shape the performance and reliability of our quantum processors.

This role is ideal for experimental physicists who enjoy building complex systems, taking ownership, and working in a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment.

Your responsibilities

Take ownership of a key subsystem of our quantum computer (e.g. building optical subsystems, laser distribution, operating the quantum processor)
Design, build, and optimize high-performance experimental setups for neutral atom quantum systems
Integrate your subsystem into the full quantum computing stack and ensure reliable system operation
Collaborate closely with software, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams to enable seamless system performance
Drive iterative improvements in system stability, scalability, and performance
Contribute to system architecture decisions and technical roadmap discussions

What you bring

PhD or Postdoc in AMO physics or a closely related field
Strong hands-on experience with lasers, optical setups, and experimental quantum systems
Proven experience in building and operating complex experimental setups
Background in one or more of the following areas:
- Optical tweezer arrays / atom arrays
- Rydberg atoms or alkaline-earth atoms
- Ultracold atoms, trapped ions, or UHV systems
- High-NA imaging and addressing systems
- Frequency- and amplitude-stable laser systems
Ability to take ownership of complex technical systems and drive them forward independently
Strong problem-solving mindset and attention to detail

Nice to have

Programming experience (e.g. Python for experiment control or data analysis)
Experience with electronics or control systems
Mechanical design experience (e.g. CAD)
Experience transitioning research setups into more robust or scalable systems
Prior experience in an industrial or startup environment

What characterizes you

You enjoy building and improving complex experimental systems
You take ownership and drive topics from idea to implementation
You are curious, hands-on, and solution-oriented
You thrive in interdisciplinary teams and communicate effectively across domains
You are motivated by turning cutting-edge research into real-world technology

Why join planqc

At planqc, you will work on one of the most promising quantum computing architectures alongside a highly driven and collaborative team spanning physics, engineering, and software.

We combine deep-tech research with an engineering mindset, turning scientific breakthroughs into scalable quantum systems.

Joining us means:

Working on cutting-edge neutral atom quantum hardware
Taking ownership of critical system components from day one
Collaborating with an exceptional, international team across disciplines
Contributing to a fast-growing quantum startup at a pivotal stage

In addition, we offer a competitive benefits package including professional development opportunities, conference participation, health benefits, company pension and much more!

If you’re excited about building quantum hardware from the ground up and pushing the limits of experimental physics, we’d love to hear from you.

About us

planqc builds neutral-atom quantum computers based on arrays of optically trapped atoms controlled with high-precision laser systems. Our platform combines technologies from optical lattice clocks, quantum gas microscopes and fast Rydberg gates into a scalable computing architecture.

Founded in 2022 as a spin-off from MPQ and LMU Munich, we translate more than a decade of AMO research into deployable quantum systems. Our work spans vacuum and laser hardware, control electronics, firmware, system software and algorithm integration. We focus on turning complex experimental setups into stable, reproducible systems that operate in real computing environments.

Behind this technology is a team that pushes technical boundaries, values open exchange and shared ownership. Physicists, engineers, software developers and business specialists work closely together, often across disciplinary limits. We believe progress comes from combining deep expertise with practical engineering and from giving people the responsibility and trust to shape their domain.

As we grow across our locations in Garching, Ulm and Innsbruck, we continue to build an environment we continue to build a company where people take ownership, learn from each other, and directly shape the systems we bring into operation.

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