The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 75 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 32 000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.
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. This role focuses on the design, development, optimization, and productization of software solutions that interface with quantum hardware, simulators, and hybrid quantum-classical systems. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in software engineering, a solid understanding of data structures and design principles, as well as a keen interest in quantum computing, agentic AI workflows, and emerging technologies (HPC / AI).
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.
Be part of change
- 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 framework (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 PhD or practical long-term experience is welcome)
- Domain expertise in machine learning, scientific computing, or quantum computing, a strong background in software engineering, and a passion to work at the intersection of applied research and emerging technologies
- Proficient in one (or more) programming languages such as Python, C++, Java, or Rust, a good understanding of data structures, software design principles, and 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, experience with, or a strong interest in, quantum computing frameworks (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, or Q#), high-performance computing; parallel programming; GPU acceleration; or cloud and container technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
- An interest in solving complex problems; leadership experience in technical initiatives; and the ability to work reliably in interdisciplinary teams and communicate confidently 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 based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, 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.
Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact:
Dr. Christian Tutschku
Head of »Quantum Computing«
Phone: +49 152 28835266
or
Dr. Marco Roth
Head of »Quantum Machine Learning«
Phone: +49 175 7036526
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO