Quantum Algorithms Engineer - Optimization

Your mission

At planqc, we build scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms, one of the most promising architectures for achieving real-world quantum advantage.

As a Quantum Algorithms Engineer - Optimization, you will join our Gate-Based Quantum Optimization Team. You will turn solutions to complex optimization problems into circuits that are ready to run on planqc's quantum processors. Your focus is translating quantum optimization algorithms into production quality software that our teams and partners can build on with confidence.

You will work closely with our compilation, hardware and applications teams. Together you take algorithms from paper to robust, well tested implementations inside our quantum optimization library. The role suits engineers who enjoy working at the intersection of quantum algorithm research and professional software engineering.

Your Responsibilities

• Design, implement and benchmark gate-based quantum algorithms for optimization problems
• Translate algorithms into clean, well-structured, production-grade code in our quantum optimization library
• Research cutting-edge quantum algorithms for solving classical optimization problems
• Develop and evaluate approaches for large-scale optimization problems
• Apply quantum error mitigation methods and optimized compilation pipelines to bridge ideal algorithms and noisy hardware
• Use hardware-aware algorithm design to maximize performance on planqc's quantum processors
• Work closely with our compilation, hardware and applications teams to integrate your work into the platform
  
  

What You Bring

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• Master's or PhD in physics, computer science, mathematics or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Substantial professional software engineering experience with a demonstrated commitment to code quality
• Strong proficiency in a modern programming language commonly used for quantum software, for example Python
• A background in quantum computing with a solid grasp of quantum algorithms and gate-based circuit models
• Familiarity with quantum compilation, circuit optimization or hardware-aware algorithm design
• Comfort working in a collaborative, version-controlled engineering environment
• Professional working proficiency in English (German not required)
  
  

Nice to have

• Experience with quantum optimization algorithms in the variational and the fault-tolerant regime
• Experience contributing to larger software collaborations or shared codebases, for example open source, research consortia or multi team industrial projects
• Background in classical optimization or operations research
• Experience with neutral atom platforms
  
  

  Discover our full range of relocation jobs with comprehensive support packages to help you relocate and settle in your new location.

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 quantum systems from day one
• Collaborating with an exceptional, international team across disciplines
• Contributing to a fast-growing quantum startup at a pivotal stage
  
  

Benefits At Planqc

• Flexible working: Flexible hours and hybrid work where the role allows.

Interested in relocating to Germany? Check out our comprehensive Relocation Jobs in Germany page with detailed relocation packages and benefits.

• Company pension: Betriebliche Altersvorsorge with an employer contribution.
• Health and fitness: EGYM Wellpass for gyms, pools and studios, plus regular Health Days.
• Job bike: Lease a bike through planqc.
• Learning and development: Trainings and conference participation, including international conferences. Plus regular internal learning sessions where colleagues share their knowledge.
• Relocation and visa support: Practical support for international hires and their move to Germany or Austria.
• Four locations: Headquarters in Garching, an office in central Munich, plus sites in Ulm and Innsbruck.
• Team culture: Regular team and company events throughout the year, from after work socials to our summer and Christmas parties.
  
  

If you're excited about building quantum algorithms that run on real hardware and solve real optimization problems, 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.