Quantum Error Correction and Fault Tolerance Engineer

About QC Design:

QC Design is a quantum computing software startup helping quantum hardware teams build scalable, useful quantum computers.

We build Plaquette™, a design tool for fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC), think of it as an AutoCAD-style software for quantum error correction (QEC) and fault tolerance. Plaquette brings together quantum error-correction code libraries, hardware-realistic noise models, decoding workflows, and multiple simulation backends so teams can design and evaluate FTQC architectures under realistic hardware constraints.

Our customers include over 10% of the world’s quantum hardware companies across all hardware platforms. They rely on Plaquette to explore architectures, compare tradeoffs, and plan hardware-efficient paths to logical qubits. We continuously evolve Plaquette based on what customers need next.

We are a 12-person team of scientists and engineers from across 6 countries. Our strengths are in quantum software, hardware, and fault tolerance.

Role and responsibilities:

Fault tolerance is moving fast. We are hiring a quantum error correction and fault tolerance engineer who loves turning the latest and greatest FTQC ideas into working prototypes.

You will read the frontier of fault tolerance, help choose what matters based on customer demand, implement prototypes with strong correctness checks, and work closely with the team to turn the best prototypes into production features.

Specifically, you will:

• Identify FTQC and QEC ideas that matter for developing architectures for scalable quantum computing, based on direct feedback from customers
• Turn those ideas into working prototype implementations in Python that are readable, testable, and correct
• Collaborate with quantum software developers to productionize the highest impact prototypes
• Further strengthen the reliability of Plaquette via reproducible comparisons against literature and well-chosen reference results
• Help shape Plaquette’s FTQC roadmap with a strong bias toward shipped customer value
• Use modern AI assisted coding tools when helpful, without lowering reliability standards

What we’re looking for:

• Degree in physics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field (MSc, PhD, or equivalent experience)
• Strong background in quantum error correction and fault tolerance, with the ability to read research and identify what is actionable
• Proficiency in Python and comfort in writing structured research code that others can extend
• Demonstrated ability to learn fast and adapt to the changing demands of a startup environment
• High ownership mindset, focussing on what moves Plaquette and our customers forward, and proactively support the team where needed
• Clear written communication, especially when turning complex concepts into docs, examples, or internal notes

This role is not a fit if:

• You mainly want to publish papers as the primary output of your work
• You prefer open-ended research projects without external feedback

What we offer:

• A front-row seat to what in FTQC is important for the world’s top hardware teams
• A chance to shape the tool used by these teams and the quantum computing industry
• Competitive salary and meaningful equity
• Flexible working hours and hybrid work options
• A supportive environment with strong technical peers and real customer feedback loops

Location:

In person at Ulm, in Germany. Hybrid options are available.

Deadline:

11:59pm on 31 January 2026 Anywhere on Earth