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.

Start date: 01.10.2026

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

At planqc, we are building scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms, one of the most promising approaches to realizing practical quantum advantage. Achieving this requires a team that combines deep expertise in quantum physics, engineering, software development, and business operations, working closely together to solve some of the most challenging problems in modern computing.

Joining planqc means becoming part of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team where researchers and engineers work side by side to turn cutting-edge ideas into real technology. You will have the opportunity to take real ownership of your work, contribute to critical systems, and see your solutions directly impact the development of next-generation quantum computers.

We aim to create an environment where people can grow, stay curious, and do their best work. This includes supporting professional development through trainings, conferences, and learning opportunities, offering health and wellbeing benefits, and providing the flexibility needed to balance focused work with personal life. As a growing deep-tech company, we also offer the chance to take on responsibility early and help shape both our technology and our culture.

We believe that building breakthrough technology requires curiosity, openness, and strong collaboration, and we are looking for people who are excited to grow with us while shaping the future of computing.

If you’re excited about helping build the foundations of fault-tolerant quantum computing, 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 an environment we continue to build a company where people take ownership, learn from each other, and directly shape the systems we bring into operation.