Trapped Ion Quantum Hardware Lead

About this role

SoftQuantus is building a sovereign European stack for quantum computing. This role leads the physical and experimental layer of our trapped-ion roadmap—turning architecture into prototypes, measurements, and validation in real laboratory environments. You will design and execute the path to a functional trapped-ion system, starting from critical modules and measurable demonstrators, with a focus on high-reliability engineering, experimental repeatability, and scalability.

Focus Areas

• •Trapped-ion system design: qubit chain, lasers, trap, vacuum, control electronics, detection & readout
• •Species selection and optical transition strategy (priority: ¹⁷¹Yb⁺)
• •Quantum networking integration: photonic interfaces, quantum frequency conversion (QFC), SNSPD
• •Hybrid HPC–quantum co-processing and diagnostic inference pipelines

Responsibilities

• Define trapped-ion architecture: complete chain from qubits, lasers, trap, vacuum, control electronics, to detection and readout
• Lead species selection and optical transition strategy, with priority for ¹⁷¹Yb⁺
• Design and coordinate trap prototypes and experimental setups (or partnerships with foundries and labs)
• Specify and integrate subsystems: UHV, thermal stability, vibration isolation, RF sources, AOM/EOM, DDS, synchronization, phase control, photonics
• Implement and validate calibration routines, characterization protocols, and performance metrics
• Build the scaling plan: ion count, stability, fidelity, repeatability, automation
• Coordinate partnerships with universities, labs, and critical suppliers
• Contribute to publications, patents, grants, and technical investor pitch material

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent in atomic physics, quantum optics, AMO, ion trapping, or related engineering
• Hands-on laboratory experience with trapped ions (academic or industry)
• Strong command of lasers, control, and instrumentation (timing, phase noise, lock, feedback)
• Familiarity with control electronics, RF systems, and vacuum systems
• Experience with experimental sequencers and automation (Python, LabVIEW, Rust, C++)
• Product engineering mindset: measure, repeat, improve, document

Nice to Have

• ○Experience with photonics for quantum networking, single-photon detection, SNSPD
• ○Experience with quantum frequency conversion for telecom wavelengths
• ○Experience integrating with HPC, data pipelines, and inference for diagnostics
• ○Track record of delivering from prototype to robust system
• ○Prior startup or deep-tech company experience

Skills & Keywords