Quantum R&D Engineer

About the role

The will own the complete lifecycle of Travelling Wave Parametric Amplifier (TWPA) solutions, acting as the primary technical authority from concept to implementation. You will translate ambiguous product requirements into concrete physical architectures, making critical decisions that balance performance, manufacturability, and scalability. This role demands a deep partnership with product and engineering teams to de-risk novel microwave circuits and validate theoretical models against real-world constraints. You will spearhead the innovation of new amplifier topologies, ensuring that QuantWare remains at the forefront of quantum hardware enabling technologies. A core part of your ownership involves bridging the gap between theoretical physics and practical engineering, converting abstract research findings into robust, production-ready components. You will be responsible for documenting design rationales and creating the technical narrative that justifies significant engineering investments in TWPA development. Furthermore, you will mentor junior engineers by providing expert guidance on microwave design principles and simulation best practices. Ultimately, your work will directly define the noise floor and gain capabilities of the quantum systems that rely on our platforms.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Reverse-engineer high-level product objectives into detailed TWPA schematics and layouts, utilizing advanced simulation tools to predict electromagnetic behavior.
• Drive the miniaturization of TWPA unit cells, exploring novel geometric configurations and integration strategies for on-chip peripheral components such as terminations and filters.
• Execute parametric studies to characterize the trade-offs between gain, bandwidth, and pump power, identifying optimal operating points for diverse quantum applications.
• Design and implement experiments to measure small-signal and large-signal performance of fabricated chips, correlating simulation predictions with empirical data from dilution refrigerators.
• Establish a rigorous methodology for benchmarking TWPA noise performance, isolating contributions from amplifier components and external circuitry.
• Architect integrated solutions that combine amplification with essential signal routing, pump coupling, and isolation functions to minimize off-chip dependencies.
• Synthesize complex technical data into compelling narratives for internal stakeholders, aligning technical capabilities with business and roadmap priorities.
• Represent QuantWare at external forums, contributing to the broader scientific community through publications and conference presentations where appropriate.
• Conduct failure mode and effects analysis on amplifier designs, proactively identifying risks and developing mitigation strategies before tapeout.
• Scout emerging techniques in nonlinear photonics and quantum measurement, evaluating their potential for adoption within the TWPA product line.
• Collaborate with packaging and test engineering teams to ensure that design for manufacturability principles are embedded in every tapeout.
• Maintain a living knowledge base of component models, simulation scripts, and measurement procedures to accelerate future development cycles.
• Challenge existing paradigms by proposing alternative materials or fabrication approaches that could yield step-change improvements in performance.
• Translate abstract product roadmaps into concrete technical milestones with clear deliverables and acceptance criteria for the development team.

Requirements

• Hold a PhD or possess equivalent industry experience specifically in quantum-limited amplification, parametric amplifiers such as Travelling Wave Parametric Amplifiers or Josephson Parametric Converters, or superconducting microwave circuit design.
• Demonstrate an extensive, practical understanding of non-linear metamaterials, Josephson junction physics, and mixers, including second-order nonlinear phenomena and frequency conversion mechanisms.
• Bring over three years of hands-on experience in advanced microwave design, utilizing industry-standard simulation platforms like CST Microwave Studio and Ansys HFSS with high proficiency.
• Show a proven ability to correlate electromagnetic simulation results with measured data from cryogenic testing environments, adjusting models to account for fixture and packaging parasitics.
• Exhibit a track record of independent and creative problem-solving, navigating open-ended research questions without direct supervision in a fast-paced R&D setting.
• Possess excellent communication skills, capable of distilling highly technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for both expert and non-expert audiences.
• Have the intellectual flexibility to quickly master new fabrication processes, material systems, and characterization techniques as the technology evolves.
• Maintain a meticulous approach to documentation and version control, ensuring that design history and simulation parameters are preserved for reproducibility.

Nice to have

The source listing does not specify any Nice to have qualifications, tools, or experiences for this position.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Delft. The company offers a flexible, hybrid work setup with an open vacation policy, allowing you to balance deep work sessions with personal time. QuantWare provides a dedicated learning and development budget to support conference attendance, online courses, and professional certification related to your role. The recruitment process may include pre-employment screening as part of the evaluation criteria. QuantWare is committed to building a diverse team and actively encourages applications from women in quantum and other underrepresented groups, even if candidates do not meet every requirement listed.