Optical characterization engineer

Quandela stands as a global leader in quantum computing, driven by groundbreaking technology and a strategic vision for scaling quantum solutions. The company’s unique ability to offer both hardware and software solutions, along with its commitment to build energy efficient quantum processing units that scale, positions it to play a key role in the next wave of innovation, and in many strategic and sovereign industrial sectors.
With a team of more than 140 people, we develop our own hardware and software stack, from semiconductor quantum emitters and photonic processors to quantum control systems and quantum algorithms.
Our ambition is to build large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of solving problems beyond the reach of classical computation using Quandela's cutting-edge quantum dot technology.
Achieving this vision requires not only advances in photonic quantum computing, but also the development of scalable spin-photon interfaces, distributed entanglement capabilities and future SPOQC (Spin-Optical Quantum Computing) architectures that will enable modular and fault-tolerant quantum systems.
Join Us at the Forefront of Quantum Computing Innovation 🚀
About this position:
Join Quandela’s Source Production team to work on the optical characterization of single-photon sources integrated in optical cavities.
The role focuses on measuring, optimizing and validating the performance of quantum emitters, while improving the reliability, reproducibility and productivity of characterization procedures.
The role is part of the Source Production team, which currently includes 11 people across fabrication, fiber pigtailing and optical characterization.
The position requires daily work on optical benches and characterization setups.
Key responsibilities
Perform optical characterization of single-photon sources in optical cavities
Use standard excitation schemes such as LA, RF, SUPER and related techniques
Perform quantum dot spectroscopy and analyze emitter properties
Optimize pulse shaping, chirping and laser filtering to improve the quality of single-photon emission
Measure key performance indicators of single-photon sources, including:
lifetime
indistinguishability
brightness
purity
spin properties
Work with cryogenic and vacuum components, optical fibers and optical elements
Develop and optimize characterization procedures to improve reliability, reproducibility and productivity
Automate instrumentation, data acquisition and data processing using Python
Analyze data and produce systematic reports for internal teams
Operate optical benches independently
Reassemble or adapt optical benches with support from senior team members when needed
Collaborate closely with fabrication, pigtailing and production teams
Requirements
Desired profile
Required
PhD in optics, photonics, quantum optics, experimental physics or a related field
Ideal seniority: fresh PhD to around 2 years of experience after PhD
Strong hands-on experience with optical characterization setups
Experience with quantum dot spectroscopy or single-photon source characterization
Experience with optical benches, lasers, filters, fibers and detectors
Experience with cryogenic setups and/or vacuum components
Python skills for instrumentation control, automation and data processing
Ability to analyze experimental data quickly and clearly
Good communication and reporting skills
Good level of English
Nice to have
Experience with spin properties
Experience with cleanroom
Simulation experience is a plus
Good balance between hands-on and simulation, ideally around 70% hands-on / 30% simulation
Soft skills
Very hands-on
Precise and rigorous
Fast in data analysis
Team player
Methodical
Practical mindset
Comfortable working with procedures
Able to troubleshoot experimental setups
Benefits
Competitive salary, flexible based on your experience
Profit-sharing & company savings plan
100% health coverage (Alan)
50% transport reimbursement or sustainable mobility bonus
Meal vouchers (Swile), Gymlib fitness support
Childcare assistance & referral bonuses (€1,000–€2,000)
What we offer:
A meaningful role with real ownership, from day one
A team eager to collaborate and grow with you
Daily exposure to the entire quantum stack — from high-level APIs to low-level firmware, and everything in between.
Process
Talent Acquisition Interview (30' - 45')
Hiring Manager Interview (45')
Use Case / Practical Assessment : The use case will consist of a simple practical exercise focused on the alignment of an optical bench. The assessment will take place in the cleanroom, they are not considered PPE for this exercise.
Meeting with the teams
2 reference check
Offer
(This process is provided for guidance only and may evolve depending on the roles)
At Quandela, we believe that the strength of our team is the plurality of experiences, perspectives, and journeys. We are committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. All applications are welcome.

Work arrangement
No