Quantum Software Intern

Your mission

At planqc, we are building scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms and developing the software stack that enables their operation.

As a Quantum Software Engineer Intern, you will contribute full time to the operating system that powers our quantum computers. Working within the Control Software team, you will help design, implement, and integrate distributed control, monitoring, and analysis software that runs across multiple quantum systems.

You will work on both pure software challenges and interfaces close to hardware, contributing to robust, scalable, and maintainable systems. Your work will directly impact how our quantum computers are controlled, monitored, and operated.

This role is ideal for students or early-career engineers who want to gain hands-on experience in building complex software systems in a cutting-edge deep-tech environment.

Your responsibilities

• Develop new features, tests, and improvements for the quantum control system and related software components
• Contribute to the architecture and integration of different functionalities into a unified control framework
• Support the development and maintenance of CI/CD pipelines to ensure reliable software delivery
• Improve code quality in terms of structure, readability, performance, and reliability
• Document software components and features in a clear and consistent way
• Collaborate closely with team members and share knowledge effectively
• Continuously learn about new technologies and the principles of quantum computing

What you bring

• First experience in software development (e.g. through studies, internships, or personal projects)
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, Rust, C++, or C
• Ability to write clear technical documentation
• Team-oriented mindset and ability to collaborate effectively
• Fluent in English (written and spoken), German is a plus
• Work authorization in Germany or the EU
• Based in Munich or willing to relocate

Nice to have

• Experience with control systems, distributed systems, or hardware-related software
• Experience with testing frameworks (e.g. pytest)
• Familiarity with REST or gRPC APIs
• Experience with Git and CI/CD pipelines
• Personal projects or open-source contributions
• Knowledge of observability tools (e.g. Prometheus, Grafana, Jaeger)
• Experience with containerization or orchestration (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes)
• Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop testing or experimental setups
• Experience working in agile development environments

What characterizes you

• You are curious and eager to learn, especially about quantum computing and complex systems
• You enjoy solving technical challenges and building reliable software
• You are proactive and take ownership of your work
• You communicate clearly and value collaboration

Why join planqc

At planqc, you will work on cutting-edge technology and contribute to building the software that powers next-generation quantum computers.

You will be part of a collaborative and international team, gaining hands-on experience in a fast-moving deep-tech environment where your work has real impact.

Joining planqc means:

• Working on real-world quantum computing systems
• Learning from experienced engineers and physicists
• Gaining exposure to both software and hardware challenges
• Contributing to meaningful, production-level code

We also offer a supportive environment for learning and growth, including opportunities for development, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.

If you’re excited about building software systems that bring quantum computing closer to real-world applications, we’d love to hear from you.

About us

planqc builds neutral-atom quantum computers based on arrays of optically trapped atoms controlled with high-precision laser systems. Our platform combines technologies from optical lattice clocks, quantum gas microscopes and fast Rydberg gates into a scalable computing architecture.

Founded in 2022 as a spin-off from MPQ and LMU Munich, we translate more than a decade of AMO research into deployable quantum systems. Our work spans vacuum and laser hardware, control electronics, firmware, system software and algorithm integration. We focus on turning complex experimental setups into stable, reproducible systems that operate in real computing environments.

Behind this technology is a team that pushes technical boundaries, values open exchange and shared ownership. Physicists, engineers, software developers and business specialists work closely together, often across disciplinary limits. We believe progress comes from combining deep expertise with practical engineering and from giving people the responsibility and trust to shape their domain.

As we grow across our locations in Garching, Ulm and Innsbruck, we continue to build an environment we continue to build a company where people take ownership, learn from each other, and directly shape the systems we bring into operation.