At planqc, we are building scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms — one of the most promising platforms for achieving real-world quantum advantage.
As we expand our international presence and establish our operations in the United Kingdom, we are looking for a (Senior) Quantum Hardware Engineer to join us at this exciting stage of our growth.
You will play a central role in bringing our quantum systems from concept to reality. Working at the intersection of atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics and engineering, you will take ownership of critical subsystems within our quantum computing platform, driving them from design through integration and operation.
As part of our growing UK team, you will collaborate closely with colleagues across our international locations, combining cutting-edge research with practical engineering to develop robust, scalable quantum hardware.
This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of our quantum technology while helping shape planqc's engineering presence in the UK.
We are looking for experimental physicists who enjoy building complex systems, taking ownership and working in an ambitious, highly collaborative environment.
Quantum Hardware Engineer
Cambridge (UK)
Full-time
Permanent employee
Your mission
Your responsibilities
- Take ownership of a key subsystem of our neutral-atom quantum computer, such as optical subsystems, laser distribution or quantum processor operation.
- Design, build and optimise high-performance experimental setups for neutral-atom quantum systems.
- Integrate your subsystem into the wider quantum computing platform, ensuring reliable and consistent operation.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues across physics, software, mechanical and electrical engineering to deliver integrated technical solutions.
- Drive continuous improvements in system stability, performance, reliability and scalability.
- Contribute to system architecture decisions and technical roadmap discussions.
- Work closely with our international engineering teams, sharing knowledge, expertise and best practices.
- Contribute to the development of our UK engineering activities as we establish and grow our local presence.
What you bring
- A PhD in AMO physics, experimental quantum physics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent relevant research experience.
- Strong hands-on experience with lasers, optical setups and experimental quantum systems.
- Demonstrated experience designing, building, troubleshooting and operating complex experimental setups.
- Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Optical tweezer arrays and atom arrays
- Rydberg atoms or alkaline-earth atoms
- Ultracold atoms, trapped ions or ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems
- High-numerical-aperture imaging and addressing systems
- Frequency- and amplitude-stabilised laser systems
- Ability to take ownership of complex technical challenges and drive solutions independently.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with a practical, hands-on approach.
- Confidence working collaboratively across different technical disciplines and international teams.
Nice to have
- Programming experience, particularly Python for experiment control, automation or data analysis.
- Experience with electronics, control systems or laboratory automation.
- Mechanical design experience, including CAD.
- Experience transitioning experimental research setups into reliable, scalable engineering systems.
- Previous experience in a commercial R&D, deep-tech or startup environment.
- Experience collaborating across geographically distributed engineering teams.
What characterizes you
- You are a builder. You enjoy turning ambitious scientific ideas into working experimental systems.
- You take ownership. You are comfortable making decisions, solving problems and driving technical topics forward.
- You are curious and pragmatic. You combine scientific rigour with a hands-on, solution-oriented mindset.
- You are collaborative. You enjoy working with specialists from different disciplines and sharing knowledge.
- You are adaptable. You feel comfortable in an evolving environment where processes and structures are still developing.
- You are motivated by impact. You want to see your work contribute directly to the development of real-world quantum technology.
Why join planqc
At planqc, we are transforming pioneering research into practical quantum computing technology.
Founded in Germany and built on world-class research in neutral-atom quantum computing, we bring together physicists, engineers and software specialists who share one ambition: developing scalable quantum computers capable of solving meaningful problems.
Our expansion into the UK marks an exciting new chapter in this journey.
By joining our UK team, you will have the opportunity to:
We want to create an environment where talented people can do meaningful work, develop professionally and contribute to building something exceptional.
Founded in Germany and built on world-class research in neutral-atom quantum computing, we bring together physicists, engineers and software specialists who share one ambition: developing scalable quantum computers capable of solving meaningful problems.
Our expansion into the UK marks an exciting new chapter in this journey.
By joining our UK team, you will have the opportunity to:
- Join at an early stage. Become part of our growing UK presence and contribute to its development.
- Work on cutting-edge technology. Build and improve neutral-atom quantum hardware at the forefront of quantum computing.
- Make a tangible impact. Take ownership of critical technical systems and see your contributions directly influence our technology.
- Collaborate internationally. Work alongside experienced scientists and engineers across our European teams.
- Grow with us. Develop your expertise and responsibilities as our technology and international organisation evolve.
- Combine research with engineering. Work in an environment where scientific curiosity meets the ambition to build reliable, scalable systems.
We want to create an environment where talented people can do meaningful work, develop professionally and contribute to building something exceptional.
- International collaboration. Work with colleagues across our growing European organisation.
- Learning and development. Opportunities for professional training, technical development, conference participation and knowledge sharing.
- Flexible working. Flexible working arrangements where compatible with laboratory and operational requirements.
- Career development. Opportunities to grow your responsibilities as our UK operations expand.
- Collaborative culture. An international, interdisciplinary environment built around curiosity, ownership and teamwork.
- UK benefits package: 10% Employer pension Contribution (NEST), private medical and dental insurance with BUPA, paid secondment in Germany (Munich).
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.