Quantum Photonic Engineer

About Qraken Quantum

Qraken Quantum FlexCo is a deep-tech spin-off from the quantum labs of the University of Vienna. We are building low-loss hardware for quantum photonic networks. Our core breakthrough is our proprietary Ultra-Fast Quantum Optical Switch (UQOS) , a first-of-its-kind, low-loss, entanglement-preserving optical switch. Leveraging our UQOS, we are now building Quantum Loop Memories (QLM) to store and retrieve photons.

Qraken Quantum recently launched with strong financial backing, including the AWS Preseed grant, the FFG Zukunft START grant, and significant private investment. We are now rapidly advancing our technological roadmap and are seeking our first key technical employee.

The Role: Quantum Photonic Engineer

As a Quantum Photonic Engineer at Qraken Quantum, you will play a pivotal role in the design, assembly, and realization of our QLMs. You will bridge the gap between quantum optics and engineering, working directly with the co-founders to take our prototypes into the field.

Key Responsibilities

• Quantum Optics System Development: Partake in technical efforts on building, characterising, and refining our QLM architecture. This includes work on multi-reflection delay lines, collimation and coupling optics, electrooptic devices, and integration of our UQOS and QLM.
• Quantum Characterization: Run entangled photon experiments to validate our QLM, collect, analyze, and present data for white papers, publications and investor pitches.
• Lab Automation: Write custom scripts to automate experimental data collection, optical alignment monitoring, and hardware control.
• System Design: Contribute to our long-term mission by exploring and implementing tests of next generation use cases.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Education: A PhD or Master’s degree in quantum optics, experimental physics, photonics, or a closely related field.
• Optical Alignment Expertise: Hands-on experience aligning complex optical systems.
• Quantum Hardware Experience: Previous work with photonic quantum experiments, including single-photon detectors (SPADs/SNSPDs), time-taggers, and photon sources.
• Programming Skills: Solid coding experience (preferably in Python) for data analysis, instrument interfacing, or hardware control.
• Addition Assets

o Experience working with ultrafast pulsed lasers.

o Familiarity with electro-optics, high-voltage RF drivers, or free-space modulators.

o Experience with optical simulations

What We Offer

• Career Opportunities: As an early-stage quantum startup, we offer career growth opportunities and exposure to the rapidly advancing quantum technology sector. You will be provided with many possibilities to advance and shape your career and contribute to the growth of a quantum hardware startup from day one.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Work on a hardware paradigm that avoids the fundamental limits of matter-based quantum memories.
• Prime Location: Based in Vienna, Austria—consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities—with access to the University of Vienna's premier infrastructure.
• Flexibility: We value work-life balance and understand the needs of working parents within our team, offering flexible working arrangements and part-time possibilities.
• Competitive Compensation: Salary aligned with postdoctoral and deep-tech startup standards in Austria. The gross annual salary for this position is between €50,000.00 and €80,000.00, depending on your qualifications and experience. This range exceeds the minimum salary stipulated by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity

At Qraken Quantum, we believe that groundbreaking deep tech thrives on diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. We strongly encourage applications from everyone who meets the technical requirements of the role.

How to Apply

If you are ready to help build the future of the quantum network, we want to hear from you! Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter describing your relevant experience to [email protected].