Senior Quantum Engineer, Photonics

About the Position

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.

Responsibilities

• Help develop optical communication links between room temperature electronics and cryogenic quantum hardware.
• Build and run an experimental platform in a dilution refrigerator.
• Characterize devices, investigate noise, and evaluate how optical interconnects affect qubit control, readout, and gate fidelity.
• Design and run experiments in a dilution refrigerator.
• Characterize optical and cryogenic electronic components.
• Develop experiments to demonstrate and characterize single and two qubit gates and qubit readout using optical interconnects.
• Simulate and analyze gate fidelities, noise, drift, and dissipation to identify limitations and explore ways to improve performance.
• Evaluate technology options and scalability requirements for the quantum computer control stack and signal path.
• Document results and communicate findings to colleagues, technical decision makers, and external research partners.
• Own technical contributions to grant projects, including reporting, proposals, and coordination with partner companies and institutes.

Requirements

• A PhD in applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant academic or industrial experience in electronics, photonics, or quantum computing.
• Practical experience running quantum-related or active electronics experiments in a dilution refrigerator.
• The ability to independently set up, troubleshoot, run, and document experiments, including operating a dilution refrigerator and installing samples.
• Experience with RF and microwave measurement equipment, such as network analyzers and pulse generators.
• Python skills for scientific programming, measurement automation, and data analysis.
• Understanding of analogue and digital electronics, including noise, drift, signal to noise ratio, and bandwidth.
• Clear written and spoken English, with the ability to explain technical findings and coordinate work across internal and external stakeholders.

Nice to Have

• Experience with superconducting qubits, circuit quantum electrodynamics, qubit control, or readout.
• Experience with photonics, optical interconnects, or microwave photonics.
• Experience characterizing cryogenic photodiodes, cryo-CMOS devices, or other cryogenic electronic components.
• Familiarity with EXA or similar tools for QPU experiments.
• Experience contributing to research grants, collaborative projects, or technical proposals.

We Offer

• 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: You won’t always be the smartest person in the room. Neither will we. Expect to learn constantly - from each other and beyond with IQM’s Learning Hub, LinkedIn Learning, and a team-based L&D budget.
• 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.

About the Company

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.

Founded in 2019, IQM has over 300+ co-workers and is growing rapidly. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of quantum technology and making a significant impact on the future of computing.