Careers at AQLS

Project Lead – Quantum Frequency Converters (f/m/d)

AQLS is looking for a Project Lead to take our quantum frequency converter from lab demonstrator (TRL 4) to a finished, CE-compliant product (TRL 8). You own every technical aspect of the converter, from the customer specification to the trade-fair demo.

Location

Berlin, Germany

Employment

Full-time · On-site

Target start

February 2027

Salary

€65,000–80,000 per year, depending on experience, plus equity options

The Role

You lead the technical development of AQLS's quantum frequency converter and turn it into a compact module with an integrated pump laser and its own drive and control electronics. You define target specifications together with pilot customers, show through measurement that process fidelity, noise and efficiency meet them, and carry the product through qualification, CE conformity and market introduction.

Your Responsibilities

• Define the requirements specification with pilot customers, and track milestones across development, production and marketing.
• Develop the compact converter module: integrated pump laser, drive and control electronics, design freeze, and the next product iteration.
• Characterize the converter and prove that process fidelity, noise and efficiency meet specification.
• Run environmental and long-term tests, and carry out the technical tests for CE conformity.
• Present the converter at trade fairs and in customer demonstrations.
• Provide the technical basis for a patent application on an improved crystal oven design, and contribute to one publication.
• Support production and marketing activities once the design is frozen.

What You Bring

• Experience in developing, building and characterizing quantum frequency converters.
• A PhD in physics, photonics or quantum optics (preferred).
• Strong grounding in nonlinear optics and single-photon measurement.
• Experience leading technical work and coordinating with customers, production and marketing.
• Fluent English.

Nice to Have

Experience taking a lab prototype to a product, CE conformity or environmental testing, patent and publication experience, and German language skills.

What We Offer

• A salary of €65,000–80,000 per year, depending on experience, plus equity options.
• Technical ownership of a product going from lab to market.
• An international, interdisciplinary team working on quantum networking hardware.
• Room to publish, file patents and collaborate with European research partners.
• 30 days of paid annual leave.

Hiring Process

1. First interview (30 minutes).
2. Technical discussion (ideally on-site).

How to Apply

Send your CV and a short note on your relevant experience and motivation to careers@aqls.eu.