About Pasqal
PASQAL designs and develops Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) and associated software tools.
Our innovative technology enables us to address use cases that are currently beyond the reach of the most powerful supercomputers; these cases can concern industrial application challenges as well as fundamental science needs.
In addition to the exceptional computing power they provide, QPUs are highly energy efficient and will contribute to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of the HPC industry.
Job Description
Pasqal's ambition is building and developing Quantum Processing Units (QPU) enabling highly performant computation using neutral atoms manipulated with lasers. On the hardware level, the complexity of the setup makes this journey unique and interesting. In the system performance team, we measure and optimize the performances of the QPU. We are responsible for the implementation and validation of new features and to push the system at its higher level of performances.
As a System Performance Engineer, your main responsibilities will be:
- Contribute to QPU wide projects
- Analyze performances (by developing simple mathematical and physics models and simulations) on current design and identify main limitations
- Propose new design or new techniques (hardware/software)
- Propose and perform documented system and sub-system tests plans to validate performance increase or new feature
- Contribute to maintaining dev QPUs in operation
- Propose new ideas leading to industrial innovation
- Collaborate closely with other teams in the hardware department
- Support the Manufacturing & Support team
- Communicate scientific results within and outside the team
- Supervise junior engineers and master students
To be successful in this role, you will have the following:
Requirements:
• M2 in physics +2/3 years in industry or PhD
• Knowledge in experimental physics (atom-light interaction physics would be appreciated)
• Strong interest in experimental physics and physics models
• Programming skills for data analysis and simulations (Python, ... )
• Versioning control is a plus (git tools)
• Experience in managing small-scale projects
Soft Skills:
- Autonomy, rigor and organization
- Communication and listening skills
- Proven ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams (Theory, Experimental)
- Good level of written and spoken English. French is a plus but not required
What we offer
- Beautiful brand new offices in Massy, France
- Type of contract : CDI
- A dynamic and close-knit international team
- A key role in a growing start-up
Recruitment process
- An interview with our Talent Acquisition Specialist of 30'.
- An exchange with the Engineering manager of the team for 60 min.
- An onsite interview with the team in our offices.
- An offer!
PASQAL is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, as inclusion and diversity are essential to achieving our mission. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, religion or sexual orientation.
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The Quantum System Performance Engineer role is structurally essential for de-risking the industrial transition of nascent quantum hardware. This function exists at the critical nexus of experimental physics and commercial engineering maturity, translating fragile physical phenomena into robust, benchmarked system architectures. Its primary impact lies in quantifying, modeling, and optimizing the operational fidelity and coherence metrics of Quantum Processing Units (QPUs), thereby accelerating Technology Readiness Level (TRL) progression toward scalable fault-tolerant quantum computation. The engineering discipline focuses on systemic validation and performance optimization loops critical for industrialization, bridging fundamental research outcomes with product-grade reliability and throughput metrics essential for commercial adoption and mitigating current sector-wide integration complexity challenges.
The system performance function operates within the quantum hardware layer, situated downstream from component fabrication but upstream from application layer integration, placing it centrally within the quantum value chain. This position is vital for addressing the industry's pervasive challenge of achieving scalable quantum advantage, where performance gains are often bottlenecked by system coherence, gate fidelity, and noise management. The sector-wide transition from scientific demonstration to industrial-grade reliability is constrained by a persistent talent shortage in specialized quantum-classical interface engineering, leading to TRL mismatches between theoretical potential and deployed capacity.
For neutral atom architectures, the focus shifts to optimizing laser-atom interactions and control sequences, which directly impacts the measured performance of QPUs developed by companies like Pasqal. The capital intensity and complex supply chain for ultra-high vacuum systems, precision optics, and coherent light sources necessitate continuous performance monitoring to ensure maximum asset utilization and justify significant infrastructure investment. Furthermore, the role contributes to defining hardware specifications for hybrid workflows, where quantum co-processors must seamlessly interface with classical HPC environments to execute computational tasks at scale. Ongoing ecosystem initiatives aim to accelerate readiness for practical quantum applications.
This domain requires expertise in quantum measurement science, translating complex physical observables into quantitative engineering metrics suitable for iterative design feedback. Core capabilities span across data acquisition platforms, advanced statistical analysis of high-dimensional experimental data, and the deployment of quantum control software frameworks. Engineers in this discipline must master the optimization loop linking physical phenomena (such as atom loss or laser noise) to high-level system performance indicators (such as fidelity and circuit depth).
The technical architecture is defined by the rigorous characterization of noise sources, utilizing models derived from quantum information theory to predict and mitigate performance degradation mechanisms. Proficiency in data processing pipelines and automated testing regimes is necessary to manage the complexity of full-stack integration. The capability domains include statistical physics modeling, experimental system calibration, and the use of version control practices to maintain stability in a rapidly evolving hardware environment. This set of skills enables structural enablement by providing the necessary quantitative foundation for hardware roadmaps and commercial product viability.
Reduces hardware iteration cycles through quantitative system modeling.
Accelerates TRL progression from laboratory demonstration to industrial prototype.
Establishes baseline performance metrics for quality assurance and customer trust.
Drives down effective error rates necessary for future fault-tolerant operation.
Optimizes resource allocation within the complex quantum-classical control stack.
Quantifies the impact of physical phenomena on algorithmic execution fidelity.
Contributes to defining standardized benchmarks for comparing quantum devices.
Mitigates integration friction across various hardware subsystem interfaces.
Enhances systemic coherence times and qubit operational stability at scale.
Informs long-term supply chain strategy for critical performance components.
Enables higher throughput for early-stage enterprise proof-of-concept projects.
Validates new quantum control techniques prior to production deployment.
Industry Tags: Quantum Hardware Engineering, Neutral Atom Qubit, System Optimization, Quantum Control Systems, Experimental Physics, Quantum Processing Unit, Performance Benchmarking, Qubit Fidelity
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