Support QPU Engineer

About Quandela

Quandela is a French deeptech spin-off from CNRS, building Europe's first general-purpose photonic quantum computers.

We deliver across the full stack - from single-photon sources and photonic chips to simulation libraries (Perceval), programming platforms (Merlin), and cloud access (Quandela Cloud).

In just a few years, we've reached major milestones:

• MosaiQ12
  , our 12-qubit QPU, 4,000× more powerful than its predecessor, set for installation at TGCC in 2025.
• A published
  roadmap
  : first logical qubits by 2025, interconnected quantum systems by 2028, fault-tolerant computing by 2030

Until now, our quantum computers have been operated directly from our HQ in Massy, or accessed remotely via the cloud by academic and industrial partners. The next step is different.

Lucy
, a 12-qubit photonic QPU delivered with EuroQCS-France (GENCI & CEA), will be hosted at
CEA's Très Grand Centre de Calcul (TGCC)
, coupled with the Joliot-Curie supercomputer, and
operated fully
offline
. No remote factory access, no back-office monitoring: reliability, integration, and local support become mission-critical.

Article : Genci x Quandela

Lucy

Why this role matters ?

We are building a
dedicated support cell to accompany Lucy's deployment
.

This is not "classic" support. It's about ensuring the world's first large-scale photonic QPU integrated with HPC
runs reliably, day after day
.

What is a QPU (Quantum Processing Unit) ?

Your role covers
monitoring, documentation, reporting, and user enablement
, while escalating deeper hardware issues to specialists. Beyond troubleshooting, you'll contribute to the practices and metrics that define how researchers interact with Lucy.

Requirements
What will you do:

Your mission covers the full QPU lifecycle: from daily operations and maintenance, to user support, performance tracking, and external interface.

• Operate and monitor the QPU
  : perform daily health checks and run predefined test protocols across Lucy's modules (optics/photonics, control electronics, HPC interfaces). Collect logs, document anomalies, and escalate issues when required*
• (Build automated monitoring)
  : develop Python/Linux scripts and dashboards (ETL-style) to turn raw machine data into proactive alerts and performance tracking, reducing manual checks and ensuring long-term reliability
• (Report on metrics)
  : uptime, gate fidelity, error rates, response times - providing clear visibility to CEA/GENCI and to Quandela's R&D
• Support researchers
  : handle tickets, manage access and maintain documentation
• Interface & report
  : act as SPOC with TGCC/HLST, join weekly reviews, ensure compliance with reporting standards, and secure operational continuity (keep all stakeholders aligned)

*NB: You will not directly repair or calibrate optics/photonics modules yourself. Your role is to
interact with these systems through monitoring and predefined tests
, verify that modules are functioning correctly, and escalate issues with clear documentation to the dedicated specialists.

On-site presence :

• 5 days/week at TGCC (Bruyères-le-Châtel, Essonne)

(Some flexibility may be possible later, but the role is primarily on-site given its operational nature)
- On-call duties (astreintes) may be part of the role — details to be confirmed with HLST procedures.

--

How you'll grow :

• 0-3 months:
  onboard on TGCC/HPC workflows, handle standard QPU tickets, deliver first documentation.
• 3-6 months:
  trusted SPOC for GENCI/CEA, ensure machine reliability, identify recurring issues, propose fixes.
• 6-12 months:
  step into coordination — align stakeholders, anticipate upgrades, structure KPIs, and drive proactive enablement.

Longer term: C
ould grow into a Technical Account Manager role - becoming the go-to person for QPU operations and future deployments, linking clients with R&D/Product, and contributing to next-gen roadmaps. 

--

Profile we value :

Must-have

• Python & Linux (advanced):
  scripting, automation, troubleshooting, data handling (ETL workflows, monitoring, reporting)
• Operational discipline:
  able to run/document system checks (module start/stop, execute test protocols, collect logs) and escalate issues
• Rigor & communication:
  structured documentation, clear escalation, effective collaboration with both researchers and infra teams
• Languages:
  professional English + conversational French (daily work with CEA/GENCI)

Interesting (can grow)

• HPC practices:
  batch job integration, cluster monitoring, performance tracking
• Quantum foundations:
  basics of QPU concepts and applied physics
• Photonics/electronics exposure:
  (not design or calibration ): ability to interact with these modules (verify status, execute basic tests, escalate issues)
• Continuous improvement:
  ability (or appetite) to identify recurring issues, propose durable fixes (documentation, workflows, training), and support user adoption

Bonus

• Experience with EuroHPC, CNRS, CERN, or Tier-1 datacenter ops
• Previous involvement in hybrid HPC-Quantum projects.

--

Academic background :
For this role, we are looking for a
Master's degree or engineering school background
in physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or related fields. Familiarity with instrumentation (optics, electronics, HPC environments) can be a plus, but what matters most is the ability to navigate complex systems and turn technical insights into reliable operations.

Backgrounds that could fit / We particularly value experience from fields (3-5y) :

• HPC or infra support engineers with strong Python/data skills.
• Researchers (physics, applied maths, CS) moving into system operations.
• IoT/Cloud engineers with monitoring & integration experience

Benefits
What we offer :

Salary range:
€45-60k
, depending on background and autonomy.

• €45-50k
  : solid HPC/infra engineer ready to grow into QPU.
• €50-55k:
  autonomous on HPC monitoring + user enablement
• €55-60k+
  : senior profile, able to coordinate and step into a Technical Account Manager scope.

On top of base salary: annual profit-sharing, company savings plan, 100% health coverage (Alan), 50% transport reimbursement or mobility bonus, Swile meal vouchers, and access to Gymlib. 

Why join ?

• Be part of
  Lucy's deployment
  , the first large-scale photonic QPU in Europe.
• Work at the intersection of
  quantum, HPC, and national infrastructure
• Collaborate directly with
  CEA, GENCI, and top researchers.
• Grow from support into
  coordination and technical account management
  .
• Contribute to Europe's
  quantum roadmap -
  with impact today, and vision to 2030 and beyond.

A final word

At Quandela, support is not a back-office function. It is where science meets reality.

As Support Engineer today — and Technical Account Manager tomorrow — you'll be the bridge between pioneering researchers and a working quantum machine. The reliability you ensure, and the insights you provide, will define how Lucy and future QPUs serve Europe's scientific community.

So... if you're ready to make Europe's first offline QPU your mission, let's talk