FPGA Engineer – Quantum Computing (f​/m​/d

ele Qtron develops and operates full-stack quantum computers based on trapped‑ion technology. Quantum computing is a new computing paradigm rapidly approaching commercial viability. Our unique approach combines laser‑cooled trapped ions with microwave control and tailored magnetic fields. Our next‑generation computing machines under development will be able to find solutions to problems that are out of reach today, thus enabling new innovative products and services for a brighter future.

We are looking for an FPGA Engineer (m/f/d) to join our team in Hamburg. In this role, you will design, develop, and optimize FPGA‑based systems that form the foundation of our quantum control stack, enabling high‑performance signal generation and real‑time control of our trapped‑ion quantum computers.

You will join our Quantum Firmware Team as an FPGA engineer, owning the design and delivery of FPGA‑based systems at the core of our quantum control stack. Working closely with hardware engineers and experimental physicists, you will develop high‑performance microwave signal generation pipelines and real‑time feedback control, directly shaping how our quantum computers operate at the lowest level. This role sits within a software engineering culture: we care about clean, well‑tested, production‑grade code, version‑controlled workflows, and agile ways of working.

• Design, implement, validate, and optimize FPGA systems in System Verilog, Verilog, or VHDL
• Develop and maintain test benches and automation frameworks using Python (e.g. cocotb); validate FPGA integration on target hardware
• Write production‑grade, well‑tested code and contribute to a culture of quality across the firmware stack
• Conduct formal verification, including timing analysis, code coverage, and compliance with coding standards
• Define verification strategies and test plans in close collaboration with the team
• Develop and program test hardware to support automated execution of hardware test cases
• Participate actively in agile ceremonies — sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives

• 3+ years of hands‑on FPGA development experience
• Bachelor's or master's degree in Electronics Engineering or a related field
• Solid RTL coding skills in System Verilog, Verilog, or VHDL, including functional verification
• Experience writing and maintaining automated tests for production code
• Comfort working across disciplines alongside physicists, hardware engineers, and software teams
• Strong learning agility and the ability to navigate an evolving technical environment
• Professional proficiency in English (written and spoken)

• Experience with RF signal generation and processing
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated build/test infrastructure
• Experience controlling high‑bandwidth (>1 GSPS) ADCs/DACs
• Familiarity with Xilinx SoC devices and related tool chains (Vivado, Vitis/SDK)
• Proficiency with Git and version‑controlled development workflows
• Experience working in agile teams (Scrum or Kanban)
• Exposure to quantum computing systems or research environments

• Competitive salary: We value our team members and therefore provide remunerations that reflect this, additionally rewarding achievements
• Flexible working hours: We offer personal freedom through a variety of flexible work schedules
• Team spirit: In our international and diverse team, and with our regular team events, having fun at work is simply part of the culture
• Further development: We want to grow together and so we offer our team members needs‑based, individualized further training as well as plenty of room for personal development
• Wellness Package: We offer health‑promoting benefits such as fitness programs like Urban Sports Club  to support your well‑being
• Bike Leasing: Stay Mobile and Sustainable with Our Company Bike Leasing Program
• Moving Benefits: A warm welcome! We are happy to support employees who move for us with a bonus
• At the forefront: Work at the forefront of technology, where academic research meets commercial applications
• Modern workplace: We have a high‑quality infrastructure with laboratory space, offices and meeting rooms