Engineering Lead (f/m/d)
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Hamburg
Salary: Up to €130,000 Base
Opportunity Overview
An innovative deep-tech organisation operating at the forefront of quantum computing is seeking an Engineering Lead to head its Quantum Firmware function. The business develops full-stack quantum computing systems using trapped-ion technology and is transitioning cutting-edge research into commercially viable products.
This is a senior leadership role combining technical ownership, hands-on engineering, and product-driven decision-making in a highly interdisciplinary environment spanning software, hardware, and physics.
Key Responsibilities
As Engineering Lead for Quantum Firmware, you will be responsible for the technical direction, delivery, and growth of a specialist engineering team developing firmware that controls next-generation quantum computing systems.
- Technical ownership: Define and drive firmware and software architecture with a strong focus on modularity, scalability, and long-term stability
- Backlog and roadmap leadership: Act as Product Owner for the team, translating requirements from hardware, project management, and stakeholders into a clear, prioritised development roadmap
- Technical leadership: Set coding standards and best practices, provide architectural guidance, and support engineers in solving complex technical challenges while remaining hands-on where required
- Delivery and execution: Actively contribute to firmware development, database design, and automation initiatives while ensuring projects progress on time and to quality
- Cross-functional integration: Work closely with hardware and project teams to ensure seamless integration of firmware with industrial hardware systems
- Stakeholder engagement: Represent the engineering function in reviews, maintain transparency on progress and risks, and align with internal and external stakeholders
- Team growth and culture: Support hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and the development of a high-performing, collaborative engineering culture
- Process optimisation: Establish and continuously improve development processes, toolchains, and workflows aligned to both software and hardware lifecycles
Essential Skills and Experience
- Strong knowledge of modern software development practices (Agile methodologies, CI/CD, code quality standards)
- Commercial experience in firmware development, including drivers, real-time systems, and hardware control
- Python as a core development language
- Broad technical understanding across embedded systems, database architectures, and automation workflows
- Proven experience leading software or firmware engineering teams
- A strategic mindset combined with strong execution skills and a hands-on leadership approach
- Experience owning or shaping technical roadmaps and managing development backlogs
- Strong English communication skills and enthusiasm for working in a highly interdisciplinary, research-driven environment
Desirable Experience
- Background in hardware-software integrated environments (e.g. embedded systems, robotics, industrial control, IoT)
- Previous responsibility for technical product ownership or close collaboration with product and project management
- Experience working closely with physicists, hardware engineers, or research teams
What's on Offer
- A senior leadership role within one of the most advanced technology fields globally
- Competitive compensation package with performance-related bonus
- Long-term incentive participation through a virtual equity scheme
- Opportunity to work where academic research meets real-world commercial impact
- International, collaborative team culture with regular team events
- Individualised training, learning budgets, and long-term development opportunities
- Wellness benefits including fitness and health programmes
Application Process
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please submit your CV outlining your leadership experience in firmware or embedded software environments. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.
