Optical characterization engineer

Quandela · Palaiseau

Posted 7/3/2026 · last confirmed live 8/24/2026

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.

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