Quantum Error Correction Engineer

Your mission

At planqc, we are building scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers based on neutral atoms. Realizing this vision requires bridging the latest research in quantum error correction (QEC) with the constraints and capabilities of real hardware: translating theory into a working fault-tolerant architecture.

As a Quantum Error Correction Engineer, you will play a key role in shaping planqc’s roadmap toward fault-tolerant quantum computation. You will design and analyze QEC schemes tailored to neutral-atom architectures, benchmark protocols under realistic noise models, and work hand-in-hand with our hardware, control, and algorithm teams to turn QEC research into concrete engineering milestones.

This role sits at the interface of quantum physics, theory, and systems engineering, and is ideal for an exceptionally driven individual who is motivated to contribute to a challenge of generational significance.

Your responsibilities

• Take ownership of selected QEC workstreams, driving design decisions on code choice, fault-tolerant protocols, and resource trade-offs.
• Contribute to planqc’s fault-tolerance roadmap, translating QEC research into concrete architectural and engineering milestones.
• Develop and analyze quantum error correction schemes tailored to neutral-atom architectures.
• Perform numerical simulations of QEC protocols and benchmark decoders under realistic noise models.
• Analyze trade-offs between different error correction schemes for the implementation of logical operations.
• Build and maintain simulation and benchmarking tools for logical circuits.
• Collaborate with quantum algorithm engineers to co-design quantum algorithms that leverage platform-specific features.
• Collaborate with hardware and control teams to implement fault-tolerant protocols aligned with system constraints.
• Stay up to date with advances in quantum error correction and contribute to internal knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to planqc's intellectual property and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Represent planqc at conferences as in the broader quantum computing research community.

What you bring

• A degree in physics, preferably with a focus on quantum science and technology.
• A solid background in quantum computing, quantum information, quantum many-body physics, or closely related fields.
• Provable ability to undertake high-quality scientific work.
• Experience with scientific computing (Python, Julia, or similar).
• Ability and willingness to work across theory and implementation, collaborating in a multidisciplinary team.

Nice to have

• A PhD in a relevant field of quantum physics, with a strong track record of scientific publications.
• Prior experience in quantum error correction and coding theory: familiarity with stabilizer formalism, topological codes and qLDPC codes is very much appreciated.
• Experience with numerical simulation of stabilizer states (e.g. Stim) and decoding under circuit-level noise models.
• Familiarity with collaborative software development environments and tools (e.g. Git, code review, CI/CD workflows).
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present results clearly and effectively.
• An understanding of neutral-atom platforms is an asset.

Research suggests that candidates from underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply unless they meet every single listed requirement. We’re looking for people who want to help push the frontier of quantum computing, rather than ticking boxes on a job description. If this role excites you and you think you could contribute, we’d be very happy to hear from you.

What characterizes you

• You are highly motivated to contribute to an ambitious, long-term scientific and technological challenge.
• You bring curiosity and a willingness to engage with complex, open-ended problems.
• You have a collaborative mindset and enjoy working across disciplines and teams.
• You are comfortable with change and open-ended challenges, where the right approach isn’t yet known.
• You are able to work independently while actively contributing to a collaborative research environment, including sharing knowledge across teams.

Why join planqc

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

• Flexible working. Flexible hours and hybrid work where the role allows.
• 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 helping build the foundations of fault-tolerant quantum computing, we’d love to hear from you.