(Senior) Quantum Software Developer - flaQship (all genders)

The Digital Business research group at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO works on national and international research, development, and consulting projects to harness the potential of quantum computers for industry and societal use.

The Fraunhofer Lab for Quantum Computing Stuttgart-Heilbronn (flaQship) unites the expertise of the Fraunhofer Institute IAO and the Fraunhofer Institute IPA under a shared vision. We bring together researchers from physics, mathematics, computer science, communications, economics, and political science, as well as leading professors, to drive excellence in research, agile strategies, and cross-functional collaboration – thus shaping the future of quantum computing.

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Senior Quantum Software Developer to join our Quantum Service Engineering research area – someone like you. At the rapidly growing innovation and AI hub in Heilbronn, you will work closely with quantum physicists, researchers, and engineers. Together, you will translate theoretical concepts into robust, scalable, and maintainable software systems and disseminate research results through accessible software tools.

Core Software Development

• Lead the design, development, testing, and maintenance of the flaQship toolkit
• Integrate the flaQship toolkit via standardized APIs into the national quantum computing full stack and enable workflow-integration with established toolkits and frameworks (e.g. MQT or Eclipse Qrisp)
• Coordinate software releases and ensure research outputs are packaged into well-documented, reusable tools

Research Translation & Dissemination

• Collaborate with researchers and domain experts to translate scientific requirements into technical implementations
• Professionalize and optimize algorithms and software packages with respect to performance, scalability, and reliability
• Write clear, maintainable documentation and contribute to technical design reviews

Agentic Workflows & Automation

• Evaluate, implement, and advance AI-assisted development workflows using generative and agentic tools
• Establish best practices for integrating LLM-based agents into research software pipelines
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive development and documentation tasks

What You Contribute

• Master’s degree in computer science, software engineering or a comparable field
• A strong background in software engineering and interest working at the intersection of applied research and emerging technologies
• Proficiency in Python, C++, Java, and/or Rust, a good understanding of data structures, software design principles, version control systems (e.g. Git), and the ability to work in Linux/Unix environments
• Experience with agentic AI tools, LLM-assisted development, and workflow automation
• Ideally, domain expertise in one of these fields: machine learning, scientific computing, or quantum computing
• An interest in solving complex problems, leadership experience in technical initiatives, ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and confident communication skills in English (additional German skills are advantageous but not required)
• Willingness to maintain a regular on-site presence in Heilbronn in line with project and collaboration needs

What We Offer

• You will work in an interdisciplinary, international research environment with direct access to leading experts, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and strong industry partnerships.
• You will contribute to one of Germany’s leading applied quantum computing initiatives, working closely with national and international partners at the forefront of the field.
• Team-oriented work and an excellent working atmosphere will support your day-to-day work.
• Your modern workplace will be at one of Germany’s most dynamic and fast-growing innovation and AI hubs in Heilbronn.
• You will receive a fair and transparent remuneration system with individual, performance-related components and profit sharing.
• We will provide you with a comprehensive range of training and qualification opportunities.
• Flexible working hours and the option of mobile working will help support your healthy work-life balance.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees’ skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.

The position is initially limited to 2 years. Long-term continued employment is the goal.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part‑time basis.

Remuneration up to TVöD pay group 14 (dependent on qualifications). Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits are based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance‑based variable remuneration components.

Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Requisition Number: 85030 | Application Deadline: 08/14/2026

Contact:
Dr. Christian Tutschku, Head of Quantum Computing, Phone

Dr. Marco Roth, Head of Quantum Machine Learning, Phone

Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO