Quantum Hardware Engineer

• 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

• 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

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.

At planqc, we are building scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms - one of the most promising platforms for achieving real-world quantum advantage., 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., 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 a company where people take ownership, learn from each other, and directly shape the systems we bring into operation.