Quantum Optics Scientist - QPU Prototyping

About Quandela:

Quandela is a global leader in quantum computing, designing, building, and delivering cutting-edge quantum solutions for research and industry. Its offerings include the most energy-efficient quantum computers for data centers, full-stack quantum computing solutions accessible via the cloud, and algorithm access services for academic and industrial customers. Following a pragmatic, step-by-step roadmap, Quandela has been deploying industrial-grade systems since 2023 while developing future generations of fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of scaling through the integration of thousands of photonic components. Quandela is committed to making quantum computing accessible to all in order to address the most complex industrial and societal challenges. Learn more at: Quandela | Leading Photonic Quantum Computing Solutions

About this position:

You will join the QPU Prototyping team, responsible for developing and integrating the optical systems at the heart of Quandela's quantum processors.

Working alongside experimental scientists and engineers across optics, electronics and semiconductor technologies, you will develop quantum optical modules for current and next-generation QPUs.

We are looking for a Quantum Optics Scientist with strong experimental expertise, capable of designing, operating and optimising complex photon-based systems.

This is a hands-on R&D position, combining experimental quantum optics, practical problem-solving and system integration.

Why This Role Matters?

Your experiments won't stop at the laboratory bench. They will become part of operational quantum processors.

By improving optical performance, stability and reproducibility, you will help turn advanced quantum optics experiments into reliable QPU modules.

Your work will also contribute to Quandela's next-generation systems, including developments towards logical qubits and fault-tolerant quantum computing.

What you'll do:

Develop and operate quantum optical systems

• Design, assemble and align complex free-space and fibre-based optical setups.
• Operate single-photon systems, interferometers and correlation experiments.
• Characterise interference, indistinguishability and related quantum optical properties.
• Stabilise experimental setups and troubleshoot performance limitations.

Optimise and integrate QPU modules

• Prototype, characterise and qualify quantum optical modules.
• Measure optical losses, noise, drift and system stability.
• Improve performance, reproducibility and long-term reliability.
• Integrate modules into QPUs and validate against specifications.

Develop experimental tools and collaborate

• Build Python tools for acquisition, calibration and data analysis.
• Document experiments, test protocols and integration procedures.
• Collaborate with semiconductor optics, electronics and system integration teams.
• Contribute to new experimental approaches and next-generation QPU developments.

How you'll grow:

First 3 months: Become familiar with Quandela's quantum optical systems, experimental infrastructure and QPU requirements. Take ownership of your first setup.

Within 6 months : Develop and qualify a quantum optical module, contributing to its integration into an operational QPU.

Within 12 months : Take ownership of multiple modules or a QPU subsystem, with increasing responsibility for performance and stability.

Longer term: Mentor junior engineers, contribute to new QPU architectures and potentially progress towards technical leadership.

Requirements

What we're looking for:

We are looking for an experimental quantum optics scientist with strong hands-on expertise and the ability to turn complex optical experiments into reliable hardware.

We welcome PhD graduates, postdoctoral researchers and experimental scientists with experience in photon-based quantum systems. Experience across different research environments is particularly valued.

Must-have:

• PhD in Quantum Optics, Experimental Physics, Photonics or a related field.
• Direct experimental experience with photon-based quantum systems.
• Hands-on expertise in single-photon interference, correlations or HOM measurements.
• Experience designing, aligning and stabilising complex optical setups.
• Ability to characterise optical performance and troubleshoot experimental challenges.
• Python for experimental acquisition, calibration and data analysis.
• Experimental autonomy, documentation discipline and collaborative mindset.
• Professional English. French is not required.

Important, but you can grow here:

Technical & system integration

• QPU module qualification and integration into larger hardware systems.
• Semiconductor quantum-dot sources and spin-photon technologies.
• Experimental electronics, DAQ systems and instrument control.

Operational ownership

• Developing reproducible test procedures and integration documentation.
• Coordinating experiments across multidisciplinary technical teams.

Bonus:

• Experience with photonic integrated circuits or cryogenic systems.
• Familiarity with spin-photon interfaces or spin-based quantum systems.
• FPGA, firmware or advanced experimental control techniques.
• Experience transferring R&D experiments into operational hardware.

Direct spin expertise is not required . What matters is your quantum optics background, experimental autonomy and ability to learn new technologies.

Benefits

Join a multidisciplinary team developing quantum optical systems for next-generation processors, with direct experimental ownership and opportunities for technical progression.

• Competitive compensation aligned with experience.
• Company savings plan and profit-sharing.
• 100% health coverage through Alan.
• Transport reimbursement or sustainable mobility bonus.
• Swile meal vouchers.
• Gymlib and childcare support.
• Referral programme.

Process

• Talent Acquisition interview (30–45 min)
• Hiring Manager interview (45 min)
• Technical case study or experimental discussion
• Two reference checks
• Meeting with the team
• Offer

Beyond that: At Quandela, we value diverse scientific backgrounds, curiosity and practical experimental skills.

Whether you are completing your PhD, working as a postdoctoral researcher or exploring opportunities beyond academia, we'd love to hear from you if you enjoy building complex quantum optical experiments and turning research into working technology.