Quantum Applications Engineer

The Quantum Applications Engineer sits at the intersection of quantum technology and real-world industrial problems. As part of the Quantum Enablement team, you help translate emerging quantum computing capabilities into concrete, testable applications that matter to customers.

You will work closely with customers, research partners, and internal algorithm, software, and hardware teams to identify where quantum computing may provide meaningful advantage. Your work will span problem discovery, modeling, prototype development, and validation on IQM quantum systems.

This is a hands-on engineering and applied research role where success is measured by how effectively you can turn complex domain problems into computational models, and then into working proof-of-concept applications that demonstrate both the potential and the limits of quantum computing in practice. This role is based either in Munich, Germany, or Espoo, Finland.

What you'll actually do

• Application discovery and problem framing: You will engage with customers and partners to understand domain-specific challenges, identify candidate problems for quantum approaches, and translate them into computational models suitable for quantum or hybrid solutions.
• Build proof-of-concept quantum applications: You will design and implement experimental prototypes and hybrid quantum-classical workflows. This includes developing end-to-end application prototypes, running experiments, and benchmarking quantum methods against classical baselines.
• Develop and maintain research-grade prototype software: You will write Python-based implementations using modern quantum software frameworks, ensuring reproducibility, clarity, and usability. You will collaborate with internal software teams to integrate prototypes with IQM tools and hardware platforms.
• Contribute to research and scientific output: You will stay close to the frontier of quantum algorithms and applications, contributing to technical reports, scientific publications, and collaborative research projects with academic and industry partners.
• Collaborate across teams and ecosystems: You will work closely with algorithm, software, and hardware teams to validate applications on IQM systems, and collaborate with external partners on joint research and consulting engagements. You will communicate results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Enable customers and share knowledge: You will contribute to consulting projects, develop demonstrations, and support customers in building internal quantum capability. You will also create educational materials and technical content for internal and external learning initiatives.

• Master's or Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field (or equivalent experience); Ph.D. is a plus
• Strong understanding of quantum computing and quantum algorithms
• Prior quantum computing research or industry experience
• Proficiency in Python and scientific computing
• Experience with quantum software frameworks (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, or similar)
• Clear communication of complex technical ideas to varied audiences
• Experience working in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams
• Strong technical writing skills
• Nice to have:

• Experience building prototypes or proof-of-concept systems, including translating real-world problems into computational models
• Experience working with customers or external partners
• Background in optimization, simulation, or ML applications
• Scientific writing, teaching, or technical content creation experience

At IQM, we build world-leading quantum computers for the well-being of humankind. We design systems to tackle computational challenges beyond the practical limits of classical machines. Our work sits at the edge of science and engineering. It's complex, demanding, and deeply collaborative. We turn deep research into reliable, full-stack systems that drive discoveries in fields like medicine, energy, and technology, reshaping how the world computes., Why IQM? * Full-stack quantum computing: From quantum hardware to software layers and beyond, we build across the full-stack. * High-performance playground: We aim high, and we know sustainable performance only works when life outside work does too-hybrid setups, flexible hours. * Never the smartest: Expect to learn constantly. You won't always be the smartest person in the room, and that's the point. * Approachable leadership: Flat hierarchy, direct access. Feel free to approach any leaders. They're friendlier than they look! * The sweet spot: Big enough to matter. Small enough to move fast. Growing between a startup and a corporation. We're in the phase where top performers get noticed. * Bigger than IQM: Our people build know-how for the entire quantum ecosystem. We publish papers, run hackathons, and help shape a market that's still being defined.