Engineering Lead Quantum Firmware

Job Description

Engineering Lead (f/m/d)
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Hamburg
Salary: Up to 130000 Base

Opportunity Overview

An innovative deep-tech organisation operating at the forefront of quantum computing is seeking an Engineering Lead to head its Quantum Firmware function. The business develops full-stack quantum computing systems using trapped-ion technology and is transitioning cutting-edge research into commercially viable products.

This is a senior leadership role combining technical ownership hands-on engineering and product-driven decision-making in a highly interdisciplinary environment spanning software hardware and physics.

Key Responsibilities

As Engineering Lead for Quantum Firmware you will be responsible for the technical direction delivery and growth of a specialist engineering team developing firmware that controls next-generation quantum computing systems.

• Technical ownership: Define and drive firmware and software architecture with a strong focus on modularity scalability and long-term stability
• Backlog and roadmap leadership: Act as Product Owner for the team translating requirements from hardware project management and stakeholders into a clear prioritised development roadmap
• Technical leadership: Set coding standards and best practices provide architectural guidance and support engineers in solving complex technical challenges while remaining hands-on where required
• Delivery and execution: Actively contribute to firmware development database design and automation initiatives while ensuring projects progress on time and to quality
• Cross-functional integration: Work closely with hardware and project teams to ensure seamless integration of firmware with industrial hardware systems
• Stakeholder engagement: Represent the engineering function in reviews maintain transparency on progress and risks and align with internal and external stakeholders
• Team growth and culture: Support hiring onboarding mentoring and the development of a high-performing collaborative engineering culture
• Process optimisation: Establish and continuously improve development processes toolchains and workflows aligned to both software and hardware lifecycles

Essential Skills and Experience

• Strong knowledge of modern software development practices (Agile methodologies CI/CD code quality standards)
• Commercial experience in firmware development including drivers real-time systems and hardware control
• Python as a core development language
• Broad technical understanding across embedded systems database architectures and automation workflows
• Proven experience leading software or firmware engineering teams
• A strategic mindset combined with strong execution skills and a hands-on leadership approach
• Experience owning or shaping technical roadmaps and managing development backlogs
• Strong English communication skills and enthusiasm for working in a highly interdisciplinary research-driven environment

Desirable Experience

• Background in hardware-software integrated environments (e.g. embedded systems robotics industrial control IoT)
• Previous responsibility for technical product ownership or close collaboration with product and project management
• Experience working closely with physicists hardware engineers or research teams

Whats on Offer

• A senior leadership role within one of the most advanced technology fields globally
• Competitive compensation package with performance-related bonus
• Long-term incentive participation through a virtual equity scheme
• Opportunity to work where academic research meets real-world commercial impact
• International collaborative team culture with regular team events
• Individualised training learning budgets and long-term development opportunities
• Wellness benefits including fitness and health programmes

Application Process

For a confidential discussion or to apply please submit your CV outlining your leadership experience in firmware or embedded software environments. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.