Quantum Hardware Engineer - Optical Systems

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. The performance of our quantum processors depend critically on the precision, stability and reliability of their optical subsystems. From trapping and transporting atoms to qubit control and state detection, almost every key function relies on carefully engineered optics.

As a Quantum Hardware Engineer – Optical Systems, you will take ownership of the optical systems that enable our quantum computers. You will translate system requirements into robust optical solutions and drive them through their complete engineering lifecycle: from concept development through design, realization, integration and verification. Your work will span areas such as beam delivery and shaping, imaging, optical metrology, and optical integration, In close collaboration with experts for quantum physics, laser systems, mechanics, electronics and software.

This role is ideal for hands-on optical engineers who enjoy combining optical design with practical laboratory work, take pride in building reliable and well-characterized systems, and want to help industrialize cutting-edge optical technology for large-scale quantum computing.

Your responsibilities

• Own the engineering lifecycle of optical systems, from system requirements and concept development through design, integration, verification, and continuous improvement.
• Design and realize precision optical systems for applications including beam delivery, beam shaping, beam steering, imaging, and optical metrology.
• Establish and apply methods for optical design, characterization, and performance verification using optical simulation and metrology tools.
• Specify, evaluate, and qualify optical components and assemblies in collaboration with external development and manufacturing partners.
• Develop standardized assembly, alignment, characterization, and acceptance procedures to ensure robust, scalable, and maintainable optical systems.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve optical system issues throughout development, integration, and operation.
• Collaborate closely with quantum engineering and hardware engineering teams to realize integrated optical solutions.

What you bring

• Degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in Optical Engineering, Experimental Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with an optics focus), or a related discipline.
• Experience designing, realizing, and verifying precision optical systems in an industrial or research environment.
• Experience with optical design and engineering methods, including tolerancing, simulation, CAD, and optical metrology.
• Strong hands-on laboratory skills, including optical assembly, alignment, cleaning, and testing.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• Working knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
  • Free-space laser optics
  • Fiber optics and fiber coupling
  • Imaging optics
  • Electro-optic and acousto-optic technologies

Nice to have

• Experience taking optical systems from concept to production.
• Background in stability engineering, including the mitigation of thermal, mechanical, or optical drift.
• Experience developing precision optical systems or instrumentation, for example in the semiconductor, optical metrology, microscopy, or laser industries.
• Experience with neutral-atom, ion-trap, or other quantum computing or quantum sensing platforms.
• Experience working in a dynamic startup or other fast-paced engineering environment.

What characterizes you

• You enjoy solving challenging engineering problems in the lab and turning complexity into simple, effective solutions.
• You don't stop when something works, you want to understand why it works.
• You enjoy working at the interface between physics and engineering.
• You are excited to help make scalable quantum computing a reality.

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 optical subsystems 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 the optical heart of next-generation neutral-atom quantum computers, 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 a company where people take ownership, learn from each other, and directly shape the systems we bring into operation.