Quantum Applications Engineer

Quandela is a global leader in quantum computing, designing, building, and delivering cutting-edge quantum solutions for research and industry. Its offerings include very 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

Description of the Project

As a Quantum Applications Engineer, you will work at the intersection of quantum algorithms, real-world applications and customer projects.

Your mission will be to identify relevant problems that can be addressed using Quandela's quantum computing technology, assess their feasibility and define how meaningful performance should be measured.

Working directly with industrial and academic partners, you will translate real-world challenges into quantum computing problems, evaluate potential approaches and establish the appropriate benchmarks against classical methods.

This is a highly technical role with strong exposure to customers and partners. It is particularly suited to someone with a background in quantum algorithms who wants to apply that expertise to practical use cases rather than focus exclusively on theoretical research.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess quantum use cases by working with customers, industrial partners and internal teams to understand their challenges and translate them into relevant computational problems.
• Perform feasibility studies to determine whether and how these problems can be addressed using current and near-term quantum computing technologies, with a particular focus on NISQ approaches.
• Define meaningful benchmarks, including relevant problem instances, expected outputs, accuracy targets and classical baselines to objectively evaluate quantum approaches.
• Explore promising application domains and contribute to application roadmaps, from near-term demonstrations to longer-term utility-scale applications.
• Evaluate scientific, industrial and economic value to help prioritize the applications where quantum computing can have the greatest impact.
• Design and maintain strategic demonstrations and Proofs of Concept, working with internal teams or external software partners depending on the project.
• Follow customer projects throughout their lifecycle, including projects where algorithm development is performed by external partners.
• Present technical work to customers and partners, explaining quantum approaches, results, limitations and opportunities to both technical and non-specialist audiences.
• Collaborate closely with Quandela's algorithm, machine learning, product, project management, sales and engineering teams.

Depending on the strategic interest of a project, you may also contribute directly to the development and implementation of quantum algorithms in Python.

What will make you successful

You do not need to know every possible quantum application from day one.

What matters is your ability to approach an unfamiliar problem, ask the right questions, understand its computational structure and determine whether quantum computing provides an interesting direction to explore.

You are comfortable navigating between research and practical applications: scientifically rigorous enough to challenge an algorithmic approach, pragmatic enough to assess its real-world relevance, and comfortable enough with people to discuss your conclusions directly with customers.

Requirements

You have a strong technical background in quantum computing and quantum algorithms, combined with the curiosity and communication skills required to explore real-world applications.

You ideally bring:

• A PhD in quantum computing, quantum information, physics, applied mathematics, computer science or a related field, or a Master's degree combined with relevant professional experience.
• A first professional experience in a similar environment is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of quantum algorithms, particularly approaches applicable to current or near-term quantum computers.
• Knowledge of NISQ algorithms and variational quantum algorithms.
• Good programming skills, particularly in Python.
• The ability to understand a complex industrial or scientific problem and translate it into a computational and algorithmic framework.
• A rigorous approach to benchmarking quantum and classical methods.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to present technical topics directly to customers, partners and broader audiences.
• Professional proficiency in English.

Previous experience working on customer-facing technical projects, quantum application projects, consulting, pre-sales, collaborative R&D projects or industrial partnerships would be a strong plus.

Experience with Agile ways of working and tools such as Jira is appreciated but not essential.

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 role at the intersection of cutting-edge quantum research and real-world industrial applications.
• Direct exposure to a wide variety of quantum computing use cases and industries.
• The opportunity to work with leading researchers, engineers, industrial partners and customers.
• Significant ownership in shaping Quandela's application portfolio and identifying the problems quantum computing should address next.
• The opportunity to work across the full quantum stack, from algorithms and software to Quandela's photonic quantum computing technology.
• A hybrid work model (3-4 days/week onsite in Massy, 1 day in Paris or 1 to 2 days remotely).
  

Process

• Talent Acquisition Interview (30' - 45')
• Hiring Managers Interview (45')
• Use Case (a live use case or one to be prepared at home and presented afterward)
• Meeting with the teams
• 2 to 3 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.