Quantum Algorithms Engineer - Optimization
PlanQC GmbH · Garching b. München (DE) · Hybrid
Posted Aug 20, 2026
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Your mission
At planqc, we build scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms, one of the most promising architectures for achieving real-world quantum advantage. As a Quantum Algorithms Engineer - Optimization , you will join our Gate-Based Quantum Optimization Team. You will turn solutions to complex optimization problems into circuits that are ready to run on planqc's quantum processors. Your focus is translating quantum optimization algorithms into production quality software that our teams and partners can build on with confidence. You will work closely with our compilation, hardware and applications teams. Together you take algorithms from paper to robust, well tested implementations inside our quantum optimization library. The role suits engineers who enjoy working at the intersection of quantum algorithm research and professional software engineering.
Your responsibilities
Design, implement and benchmark gate-based quantum algorithms for optimization problems
Translate algorithms into clean, well-structured, production-grade code in our quantum optimization library
Research cutting-edge quantum algorithms for solving classical optimization problems
Develop and evaluate approaches for large-scale optimization problems
Apply quantum error mitigation methods and optimized compilation pipelines to bridge ideal algorithms and noisy hardware
Use hardware-aware algorithm design to maximize performance on planqc's quantum processors
Work closely with our compilation, hardware and applications teams to integrate your work into the platform
What you bring
Master's or PhD in physics , computer science, mathematics or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
Substantial professional software engineering experience with a demonstrated commitment to code quality
Strong proficiency in a modern programming language commonly used for quantum software, for example Python
A background in quantum computing with a solid grasp of quantum algorithms and gate-based circuit models
Familiarity with quantum compilation, circuit optimization or hardware-aware algorithm design
Comfort working in a collaborative, version-controlled engineering environment
Professional working proficiency in English (German not required)
Nice to have
Experience with quantum optimization algorithms in the variational and the fault-tolerant regime
Experience contributing to larger software collaborations or shared codebases, for example open source, research consortia or multi team industrial projects
Background in classical optimization or operations research
Experience with neutral atom platforms
Why join planqc
At planqc, you will work on one of the most promising quantum computing architectures alongside a highly driven and collaborative team spanning physics, engineering, and software. We combine deep-tech research with an engineering mindset, turning scientific breakthroughs into scalable quantum systems. Joining us means: Working…