Engineering Lead - Quantum Firmware

Engineering Lead (f/m/d)
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Hamburg
Salary: Up to €130,000 Base

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.

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, tool chains, and workflows aligned to both software and hardware life cycles

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.