At planqc, we are building scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms. Our machines trap single atoms with laser light and control them with high precision. Even the smallest mechanical or thermal disturbance can affect a quantum computation. This makes the mechanical and optomechanical hardware around the atoms a core part of system performance.
As a (Senior) Opto-Mechanical Engineer, you will design mechanical, optomechanical and mechatronic components for our quantum computers. You take them from the first sketch through prototyping and testing to full maturity. You work with our experimental physicists to turn their requirements into stable, manufacturable designs. You also manage part production with our suppliers.
The role sits in our mechanical engineering department, at the interface of physics, optics, electronics and software. It suits an experienced engineer who thinks across disciplines, enjoys hands on work in the lab and wants to learn how neutral atom quantum computers work.
Senior (Opto-) Mechanical Engineer
Garching b. München (DE)
Full-time
Permanent employee
Your mission
Your responsibilities
- Own the development of mechanical, optomechanical and mechatronic components, from first sketch to full maturity
- Translate requirements from our experimental physicists into robust, manufacturable designs
- Design for thermal and structural stability and validate your designs with simulations
- Continuously improve the stability and maintainability of existing components and assemblies
- Test your designs in the lab and analyze the resulting data
- Manage part procurement and production with subcontractors
- Post process parts and build quick solutions when an experiment needs them
- Work closely with hardware specialists, scientists, and software and algorithm experts across the full system
What you bring
- Master's degree in mechanical, aerospace or mechatronics engineering or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical or optomechanical engineering, or a related field such as semiconductors, optics, laser physics or aerospace
- Strong 3D design skills and in depth knowledge of mechanical design principles and manufacturing processes
- Experience with production and procurement of mechanical parts, including work with subcontractors
- Experience with structural and thermal simulations, ideally COMSOL
- Experience in an experimental setting, including testing and data analysis
- Solid coding skills in Python, MATLAB or similar
Nice to have
- PhD in a relevant field
- Experience designing and assembling vacuum systems, ideally UHV or XHV
- Cross disciplinary knowledge in electronics, optics or lasers
- Optical simulation experience with TracePro, Zemax or similar
- Project management experience, ideally agile or Scrum
- First experience with intellectual property topics or patent research
- Experience with quality assurance and PDM systems
What characterizes you
- You think across disciplines to find the best solution for the whole system
- You take ownership of your designs from first sketch to finished product
- You are hands on and happy to work in the lab when a design needs testing
- You care about precision and stability down to the smallest detail
- You are eager to learn about neutral atom quantum computing and use that knowledge to improve our machines
- You communicate clearly with physicists, suppliers and engineers from other disciplines
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:
Benefits at planqc
We combine deep-tech research with an engineering mindset, turning scientific breakthroughs into scalable quantum systems.
Joining us means:
- Working on cutting-edge neutral atom quantum hardware
- Taking ownership of optomechanical systems from day one
- Collaborating with an exceptional, international team across disciplines
- Contributing to a fast-growing quantum startup at a pivotal stage
Benefits at planqc
- Flexible working: Flexible hours and hybrid work where the role allows.
- Company pension: Betriebliche Altersvorsorge with an employer contribution.
- Health and fitnes: EGYM Wellpass for gyms, pools and studios, plus regular Health Days.
- Job bike: Lease a bike through planqc.
- Learning and development: Trainings and conference participation, including international conferences. Plus regular internal learning sessions where colleagues share their knowledge.
- Four locations: Headquarters in Garching, an office in central Munich, plus sites in Ulm and Innsbruck.
- Team culture: Regular team and company events throughout the year, from after work socials to our summer and Christmas parties.
About us
planqc builds neutral-atom quantum computers based on arrays of optically trapped atoms controlled with high-precision laser systems. Our platform combines technologies from optical lattice clocks, quantum gas microscopes and fast Rydberg gates into a scalable computing architecture.
Founded in 2022 as a spin-off from MPQ and LMU Munich, we translate more than a decade of AMO research into deployable quantum systems. Our work spans vacuum and laser hardware, control electronics, firmware, system software and algorithm integration. We focus on turning complex experimental setups into stable, reproducible systems that operate in real computing environments.
Behind this technology is a team that pushes technical boundaries, values open exchange and shared ownership. Physicists, engineers, software developers and business specialists work closely together, often across disciplinary limits. We believe progress comes from combining deep expertise with practical engineering and from giving people the responsibility and trust to shape their domain.
As we grow across our locations in Garching, Ulm, and Innsbruck, we continue to build a company where people take ownership, learn from each other, and directly shape the systems we bring into operation.