(Senior) Quantum Software Developer - flaQship (all genders)

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated (Senior) Quantum Software Developer to join our Quantum Service Engineering research area. This role will focus on leading design, development, optimization and productization of software solutions that interface with quantum hardware, simulators, and hybrid quantum-classical systems. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in software engineering, a solid understanding of data structures and design principles, as well as keen interest in quantum computing, agentic AI workflows and emerging technologies (HPC / AI).

At the rapidly growing innovation and AI hub in Heilbronn you will work closely with quantum physicists, researchers, and engineers to translate theoretical concepts into robust, scalable, and maintainable software systems and coordinate the dissemination of research results through accessible software tools.

Was Sie bei uns tun

• Core Software Development

• Lead the design, development, testing, and maintenance of the flaQship toolkit
• Integrate the flaQship toolkit via standardized APIs into the national quantum computing full stack and enable workflow-integration with established toolkits and framework (e.g. MQT or Eclipse Qrisp)
• Coordinate software releases and ensure research outputs are packaged into well-documented, reusable tools

• Research Translation & Dissemination

• Collaborate with researchers and domain experts to translate scientific requirements into technical implementations
• Professionalize and optimize algorithms and software packages with respect to performance, scalability, and reliability
• Write clear, maintainable documentation and contribute to technical design reviews

• Agentic Workflows & Automation

• Evaluate, implement, and advance AI-assisted development workflows using generative and agentic tools
• Establish best practices for integrating LLM-based agents into research software pipelines
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive development and documentation tasks

• Master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a comparable field (a PhD or practical long-term experience is welcome)
• Domain expertise in machine learning, scientific computing, or quantum computing, a strong background in software engineering, and a passion to work at the intersection of applied research and emerging technologies
• Proficient in one (or more) programming languages such as Python, C++, Java, or Rust, a good understanding of data structures, software design principles, and version control systems (e.g., Git), and the ability to work in Linux/Unix environments
• Experience with agentic AI tools, LLM-assisted development, and workflow automation
• Ideally, experience with, or a strong interest in, quantum computing frameworks (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, or Q#), high-performance computing; parallel programming; GPU acceleration; or cloud and container technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
• An interest in solving complex problems; leadership experience in technical initiatives; and the ability to work reliably in interdisciplinary teams and communicate confidently in English (additional German skills are advantageous but not required)
• Willingness to maintain a regular on-site presence in Heilbronn in line with project and collaboration needs

Die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.de) ist eine der weltweit führenden Organisationen für anwendungsorientierte Forschung. 75 Institute entwickeln wegweisende Technologien für unsere Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft - genauer: 32 000 Menschen aus Technik, Wissenschaft, Verwaltung und IT. Sie wissen: Wer zu Fraunhofer kommt, will und kann etwas verändern. Für sich, für uns und die Märkte von heute und morgen. The »Digital Business « research group at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO is working on national and international research, development, and consulting projects to harness the potential of quantum computers for business and society. The Fraunhofer Lab for Quantum Computing Stuttgart Heilbronn, flaQship, unites the expertise of Fraunhofer IAO and IPA under a shared vision. Bringing together researchers from physics, mathematics, computer science, communication, economics, and political science, along with leading professors, we drive excellence in research, agile strategies, and cross-functional collaboration - shaping the future of quantum computing., * You will work in an interdisciplinary, international research environment with direct access to leading experts, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and strong industry partnerships. * You will contribute to one of Germany's leading applied quantum computing initiatives, working closely with national and international partners at the forefront of the field. * Team-oriented work and an excellent working atmosphere will support your day-to-day work. * Your modern workplace will be at one of Germany's most dynamic and fast-growing innovation and AI hubs in Heilbronn. * You will receive a fair and transparent remuneration system with individual, performance-related components and profit sharing. * We will provide you with a comprehensive range of training and qualification opportunities. * Flexible working hours and the option of mobile working will help support your healthy work-life balance. Wir wertschätzen und fördern die Vielfalt der Kompetenzen unserer Mitarbeitenden und begrüßen daher alle Bewerbungen - unabhängig von Alter, Geschlecht, Nationalität, ethnischer und sozialer Herkunft, Religion, Weltanschauung, Behinderung sowie sexueller Orientierung und Identität. Schwerbehinderte Menschen werden bei gleicher Eignung bevorzugt eingestellt. Die wöchentliche Arbeitszeit beträgt 39 Stunden. Die Stelle kann auch in Teilzeit besetzt werden. Anstellung, Vergütung und Sozialleistungen basieren auf dem Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst (TVöD). Zusätzlich kann Fraunhofer leistungs- und erfolgsabhängige variable Vergütungsbestandteile gewähren. Mit ihrer Fokussierung auf zukunftsrelevante Schlüsseltechnologien sowie auf die Verwertung der Ergebnisse in Wirtschaft und Industrie spielt die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft eine zentrale Rolle im Innovationsprozess. Als Wegweiser und Impulsgeber für innovative Entwicklungen und wissenschaftliche Exzellenz wirkt sie mit an der Gestaltung unserer Gesellschaft und unserer Zukunft. Haben wir Ihr Interesse geweckt? Dann bewerben Sie sich jetzt online mit Ihren aussagekräftigen Bewerbungsunterlagen. Wir freuen uns darauf, Sie kennenzulernen!