At IQM, we build world-leading quantum computers for the well-being of humankind. We design systems to tackle computational challenges beyond the practical limits of classical machines. Our work sits at the edge of science and engineering. It's complex, demanding, and deeply collaborative. We turn deep research into reliable, full-stack systems that drive discoveries in fields like medicine, energy, and technology, reshaping how the world computes.

Join the team that gives quantum a heartbeat.

The work

Quantum error correction becomes real when it runs fast and reliably on hardware that can be used by others. In this role, you will build the firmware and FPGA logic blocks that turn error syndrome observations into decisions during coherence time of qubits. Your work will help reduce error rates and latency, and make the system flexible enough for users to adapt and extend.

You will join the QEC Architecture and Integration team and collaborate closely with QEC control architecture developers, control hardware platform teams inside IQM and at partners, and the engineers integrating these capabilities into station control software. You will be part of a small, interdisciplinary team setup where people teach each other, share tools, and keep the system glued together end to end.

What you’ll actually do

• Design and implement embedded software for an FPGA softcore microprocessor, including C and assembly

• Design, implement, simulate, and benchmark FPGA IP blocks in HDL for QEC related decoding and control workflows

• Evaluate decoding algorithms and proposed control architectures for implementation feasibility

• Benchmark and optimize data throughput, latency, and FPGA resource requirements

• Align interfaces, protocols, and documentation with software, firmware, and hardware stakeholders

• Do bidirectional knowledge sharing with domain experts and help keep shared tools and ways of working healthy

What we’re looking for

• MSc in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or similar, or equivalent practical experience

• At least 2 years of experience in a professional engineering environment

• Hands on experience programming an FPGA softcore microprocessor in C and assembly

• Experience designing FPGA IP blocks in HDL and validating designs through simulation

• Understanding of concurrency concepts, including multithreading

• Motivation and ability to learn the basics of quantum information, QEC, and the data processing used in decoding

• Comfortable working across disciplines and contributing in a collaborative, low hierarchy setup]

Nice to have

• VHDL skills and experience with Altera FPGA families and toolchains

• Communication protocols and hardware to software interfaces

• Digital logic fundamentals such as clock domain concepts and safe transfers

• Verification mindset and practices where correctness matters early

• Profiling, benchmarking, and optimizing real time systems for performance

• Scripting skills for improving tool flows and developer experience

Why IQM?

• Full-stack quantum computing: From quantum hardware to software layers and beyond, we build across the full-stack.

• High-performance playground: We aim high, and we know sustainable performance only works when life outside work does too—hybrid setups, flexible hours.

• Never the smartest: Expect to learn constantly. You won't always be the smartest person in the room, and that's the point.

• Approachable leadership: Flat hierarchy, direct access. Feel free to approach any leaders. They're friendlier than they look!

• The sweet spot: Big enough to matter. Small enough to move fast. Growing between a startup and a corporation. We’re in the phase where top performers get noticed.

• Bigger than IQM: Our people build know-how for the entire quantum ecosystem. We publish papers, run hackathons, and help shape a market that's still being defined.

The future of computing won’t build itself. You might be one of the few who do.

• Meet our people and learn more about IQM on our stories page.

• Explore our scientific publications.

We'll start interviews and move forward with hiring as soon as we meet strong candidates. Please submit your application soon.

600M€+ Total Funding | 400+ Team Members | 30+ Quantum Computers Built | 300+ Patents Filed | 10 Location Globally