FPGA Engineer – Quantum Computing (f/m/d)

eleQtron develops and operates full-stack quantum computers based on trapped-ion technology. Quantum computing is a new computing paradigm rapidly approaching commercial viability. Our unique approach combines laser-cooled trapped ions with microwave control and tailored magnetic fields. Our next-generation computing machines under development will be able to find solutions to problems that are out of reach today, thus enabling new innovative products and services for a brighter future.

We are looking for an FPGA Engineer (m/f/d) to join our team in Hamburg. In this role, you will design, develop, and optimize FPGA-based systems that form the foundation of our quantum control stack, enabling high-performance signal generation and real-time control of our trapped-ion quantum computers.

Responsibilities

You will join our Quantum Firmware Team as an FPGA engineer, owning the design and delivery of FPGA-based systems at the core of our quantum control stack. Working closely with hardware engineers and experimental physicists, you will develop high-performance microwave signal generation pipelines and real-time feedback control, directly shaping how our quantum computers operate at the lowest level.

This role sits within a software engineering culture

we care about clean, well-tested, production-grade code, version-controlled workflows, and agile ways of working.

• Design, implement, validate, and optimize FPGA systems in SystemVerilog, Verilog, or VHDL
• Develop and maintain test benches and automation frameworks using Python (e.g. cocotb); validate FPGA integration on target hardware
• Write production-grade, well-tested code and contribute to a culture of quality across the firmware stack
• Conduct formal verification, including timing analysis, code coverage, and compliance with coding standards
• Define verification strategies and test plans in close collaboration with the team
• Develop and program test hardware to support automated execution of hardware test cases
• Participate actively in agile ceremonies — sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives

Required Skills

• 3+ years of hands-on FPGA development experience
• Bachelor's or master's degree in Electronics Engineering or a related field
• Solid RTL coding skills in SystemVerilog, Verilog, or VHDL, including functional verification
• Experience writing and maintaining automated tests for production code
• Comfort working across disciplines alongside physicists, hardware engineers, and software teams
• Strong learning agility and the ability to navigate an evolving technical environment
• Professional proficiency in English (written and spoken)

We value

• Experience with RF signal generation and processing
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated build/test infrastructure
• Experience controlling high-bandwidth (>1 GSPS) ADCs/DACs
• Familiarity with Xilinx SoC devices and related toolchains (Vivado, Vitis/SDK)
• Proficiency with Git and version-controlled development workflows
• Experience working in agile teams (Scrum or Kanban)
• Exposure to quantum computing systems or research environments

What you can expect from eleQtron

• Competitive salary: We value our team members and therefore provide remunerations that reflect this, additionally rewarding achievements
• Flexible working hours: We offer personal freedom through a variety of flexible work schedules
• Team spirit: In our international and diverse team, and with our regular team events, having fun at work is simply part of the culture
• Further development: We want to grow together and so we offer our team members needs-based, individualized further training as well as plenty of room for personal development
• Wellness Package: We offer health-promoting benefits such as fitness programs like UrbanSportsClub to support your well-being
• Bike Leasing: Stay Mobile and Sustainable with Our Company Bike Leasing Program
• Moving Benefits: A warm welcome! We are happy to support employees who move for us with a bonus
• At the forefront: Work at the forefront of technology, where academic research meets commercial applications
• Modern workplace: We have a high-quality infrastructure with laboratory space, offices and meeting rooms