Senior Photonic Systems Engineer for Quantum Computing

QUDORA Technologies is a quantum technology start-up from Lower Saxony (Germany) developing full-stack quantum computers based on ion trap technology. Quantum computers hold the promise of outperforming today’s supercomputers within the next decade and solve some of the world’s most challenging problems by unleashing the power of quantum mechanics.

QUDORA and its patented technology belong to the spearhead of the German quantum computing landscape. We have won multiple projects and signed a contract to develop a quantum computer prototype for the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in context of the German Quantum Computing Initiative.

To realize our vision of building Germany’s best quantum computer, we need exceptional talents for our interdisciplinary and international team. We maintain a friendly working atmosphere with flat hierarchies and a high degree of individual flexibility. We celebrate our successes with team events!

We are a emerging startup with a multicultural team based in the Hannover–Braunschweig metropolitan area. Our working culture is hands-on, focused, and collaborative. While we value academic excellence, we build systems for real-world applications — and we are looking for colleagues who take pride in turning ideas into robust, working technologies.

Does this spark your interest? Are you motivated to advance a technology that will soon change the world? Then we look forward to welcoming you as a full-time member of our team as soon as possible.

Your Responsibilities

• Developing concepts for integrating photonic systems into scalable quantum processor designs (e.g., ion-trap based architectures)
• Designing detailed photonic components and circuits and conducting numerical simulations (e.g., using FDTD, FEM, or BPM methods)
• Optimizing photonic designs for a balanced approach between optical performance, thermal and mechanical robustness, and manufacturability
• Planning and implementing the optical signal chain – from light generation and routing to modulation, filtering, and detection
• Collaborating with electronics, quantum, and mechanics experts to define technical requirements and interfaces for photonic subsystems in quantum processors
  
  

Your Compensation Package

• Financial compensation: We value industrial and/or academic experience with a competitive salary and offer you a mobility allowance for public transport in the form of the German Jobticket.
• Relocation support: If you are moving to join us for this position, we will provide financial support.
• Flexible working models: You can organize your weekly working hours flexibly and are allowed to work from home. You are also welcome to work in our offices in Braunschweig, Hannover, and Hamburg. We look forward to meeting you in person at our weekly team meetings at Salzdahlumerstr. 196, 38126 Braunschweig.
• Rest periods: You will receive 30 days of vacation (based on a 5-day work week). Additionally, you will get the 24th and 31st of December off.
• Professional development: We will support your growth through personalized training opportunities.
  
  

Your Profile

• A Master’s degree or PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• At least 2 years of hands-on industry experience in a photonics or optics R&D environment – beyond academic research – ideally in a role where you’ve contributed to real-world product development
• A strong product mindset – you think in terms of performance, scalability, timelines, and user needs
• A solid academic background is appreciated, but we’re looking for someone who thrives in delivering working systems, not just exploring concepts
• Excellent understanding of classical and quantum optical principles, light-matter interaction, and photonic integration
• Experience in numerical simulation of optical fields and photonic components (e.g., waveguides, resonators, beam splitters)
• Experience in the design, layout, and characterization of integrated photonic circuits
• Proficient in English (written and spoken)
  
  

Nice To Have

• Demonstrated experience managing product development cycles from R&D through ramp-up to successful product release or mass production is highly valued
• Experience with simulation tools such as Ansys Lumerical (FDTD, MODE), or COMSOL Multiphysics (optics and thermal modules)
• Experience with integrated photonic platforms (e.g., SiN, SOI, InP)
• Experience with free-space or fiber-based optical setups
• Experience in designing or testing photonic components for cryogenic or ultra-high-vacuum environments
• Experience in electrical circuit design or thermal management of photonic systems is highly valuable
  
  

Apply now! Send your documents to [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you!