Quantum Software Engineer, Benchmarking and Error Reduction

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.

Join the team that gives quantum a heartbeat.

The work

We are looking for a Quantum Software Engineer to join the Benchmarking and Error Reduction team. In this role, you will act as the software engineering expert within an R&D environment, leading the process of transforming experimental code into production-ready tools. You will develop accessible software libraries, such as IQM Benchmarks and our Error Reduction libraries, which measure and enhance the performance of our quantum computers. Working closely with quantum engineers, you will ensure our software solutions are scalable, reliable, and deliver tangible value to both internal stakeholders and external customers.
This role is based in Munich, Germany.

What you’ll actually do

• Bridge R&D and Production: Work with quantum engineers to transform well-tested research prototypes into robust, production-ready Python libraries.

• Library Development: Actively contribute to the development of core team libraries, focusing on areas such as quantum characterization & benchmarking (IQM Benchmarks), quantum error mitigation, and error suppression, e.g. by building user-friendly APIs for external researchers.

• Innovation & Problem Solving: Bring your ideas and experience to the team to solve challenges e.g. in benchmarking and error mitigation, advancing our progress toward quantum utility.

• Software Engineering: Take ownership of the software lifecycle, including hands-on programming, code reviews, architectural design, testing, and documentation.

• End-to-End Validation: Regularly test your developments on real quantum backends to ensure hardware compatibility. You will actively use real quantum computers to validate your solutions.

• DevOps & Quality Assurance: Ensure seamless integration into IQM’s broader software stack using CI/CD.

• Technical Coordination: Collaborate with the team to plan features and define software architectures that ensure scalability and meet product requirements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the interface between the R&D team and the Software Development department to align on best practices and tooling.

• Operational Excellence: Proactively identify and resolve software-related technical issues and handle maintenance tasks to ensure the stability of the team’s performance.
  

What we’re looking for

• Strong Python Proficiency: Demonstrated professional experience in Python programming.

• DevOps & Software Engineering: Good understanding of modern software engineering practices and commitment to quality, utilizing CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, linters, and code reviews to ensure production-grade standards.

• Quantum Software Experience: Practical experience programming with Python-based quantum SDKs (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, Qrisp, or similar).

• Collaborative Mindset: A collaborative and team-first mindset is essential. You are comfortable working in a team-oriented and interdisciplinary R&D environment where physicists, engineers, and software developers work together.

• Education: MSc in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a similar field.

• Quantum Computing Know-How: A good understanding of quantum computing concepts (gates, circuits, measurements, observables).

• Familiarity with the team's technical areas of responsibility is a strong plus (quantum characterization & benchmarking, quantum error mitigation, error suppression or similar field).

• Prior experience working as a Quantum Software Engineer or in a similar role is a strong plus.
  

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.

The future of computing won’t build itself. You might be one of the few who do.

• Meet our people and learn more about IQM on our stories page.

• Explore our scientific publications.

We'll start interviews and move forward with hiring as soon as we meet strong candidates. Please submit your application soon.

600M€+ Total Funding | 400+ Team Members | 30+ Quantum Computers Built | 300+ Patents Filed | 10 Location Globally