Quantum Software Engineer

As a Quantum Software Engineer - Python , you will play a key role in translating advanced quantum algorithm research into high-quality, production-ready scientific software . Your work will focus on building and improving core components such as tensor network libraries , enabling efficient simulation, optimization, and integration across our quantum computing platform.

By combining modern software engineering practices with performance-oriented numerical computing, you will help ensure that innovative research ideas become reliable tools used throughout our quantum systems.

This role sits at the intersection of scientific computing, software engineering, and quantum technology , making it ideal for engineers who enjoy working on technically challenging problems with real impact., * Design, implement, test, and maintain Python-based software for quantum and quantum-inspired applications.

• Transform research prototypes into production-quality software , ensuring high standards of structure, readability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Develop and continuously improve tensor network libraries used for simulation and optimization tasks.
• Optimize numerical workloads and computational kernels to achieve high performance and scalability .
• Work closely with algorithm researchers and software engineers to translate scientific requirements into robust software components.
• Contribute to the integration of algorithm software into planqc's broader quantum computing software stack .
• Apply modern software engineering practices including version control, automated testing, benchmarking, and documentation .
• Participate in code reviews and collaborative development processes to maintain high engineering standards.

• 3+ years of experience in professional software development.
• MSc in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering , or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience developing structured, maintainable software.
• Experience working with numerical workloads such as matrix operations, tensor operations, or scientific computing kernels.
• Familiarity with performance analysis and profiling tools .
• Experience with version control, CI/CD workflows, automated testing, and benchmarking .
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across research and engineering teams.
• Fluent in English .

Nice to have

• Experience with GPU programming (CUDA) and GPU-accelerated software development.
• Familiarity with cuBLAS, CUTLASS , or other optimized linear algebra libraries.
• Experience with HPC systems, parallel computing, or MPI .
• Experience with tensor network methods .
• Experience working in agile development environments .
• Contributions to open-source scientific software .
• Basic familiarity with quantum computing or quantum physics .

What characterizes you

• You think in systems and architectures , not just individual features.
• You take ownership of software quality and enjoy transforming experimental code into reliable engineering solutions.
• You balance pragmatism with technical excellence , knowing when to iterate quickly and when to invest in long-term maintainability.
• You enjoy collaborating across disciplines and translating scientific ideas into robust software .
• You value clear processes, testing, and documentation as part of sustainable software development.

At planqc, we are developing scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms - one of the most promising architectures for realizing practical quantum advantage. Turning this technology into usable systems requires a powerful software stack that bridges algorithm research, simulation, and hardware execution ., At planqc, we are building scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms, one of the most promising approaches to realizing practical quantum advantage. Achieving this requires a team that combines deep expertise in quantum physics, engineering, software development, and business operations , working closely together to solve some of the most challenging problems in modern computing. Joining planqc means becoming part of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team where researchers and engineers work side by side to turn cutting-edge ideas into real technology. You will have the opportunity to take real ownership of your work , contribute to critical systems, and see your solutions directly impact the development of next-generation quantum computers. We aim to create an environment where people can grow, stay curious, and do their best work . This includes supporting professional development through trainings, conferences, and learning opportunities , offering health and wellbeing benefits , and providing the flexibility needed to balance focused work with personal life. As a growing deep-tech company, we also offer the chance to take on responsibility early and help shape both our technology and our culture . We believe that building breakthrough technology requires curiosity, openness, and strong collaboration and we are looking for people who are excited to grow with us while shaping the future of computing. If you're excited about developing high-performance software for quantum technologies , we'd love to hear from you!, 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.