The Role
The Expert Optimization Engineer will develop mathematical optimization tools for chip design simulation, enhance performance metrics, and collaborate with software engineers to improve the simulation pipeline.
Summary Generated by Built In
Alice & Bob is developing the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer to solve the world’s hardest problems.
The quantum computer we envision building is based on a new kind of superconducting qubit: the Schrödinger cat qubit. In comparison to other superconducting platforms, cat qubits have the astonishing ability to implement quantum error correction autonomously!
We are at the forefront of the quantum race, competing with tech giants such as Google or IBM, and we are growing fast after securing €100 million of funding in 2025 to develop our unique technology.
Currently 100+ and counting, between physicists, PhD students, engineers and experienced business professionals, we are united to reach our ambitious goal. Are you a quantum pioneer? Join us on a mission to reshape the future!
About the role
The EDA Research team is researching and developing tools in the simulation pipeline that predict logical performance of our superconducting QPU designs. These tools are essential in the chip design process at Alice & Bob, and include FEM software for electromagnetic problems, frameworks for approximations of quantum problems, and efficient numerical solvers.
As an Expert Optimization Engineer, your focus will be on developing the mathematical frameworks and technical workflows needed to optimize chip design. You will build upon our existing simulation pipeline to help our designers deliver scalable, high-performance hardware architectures.
Responsibilities
- Lead research and development of optimization tools for numerical and scientific software for chip design simulation
- Identify limitations in current simulation pipelines and help build improvements needed to meet optimization targets
- Communicate with users and developers to collect feedback to align the vision for the optimization workflows
- Assess overall numerical performance of simulation pipelines and work with other simulation engineers to implement necessary improvements
- Write specifications and collaborate with software engineers to industrialize prototypes and deploy new processes
Requirements
- Expertise in various optimization paradigms from both theoretical and practical perspectives (single- and multi-objective optimization, discrete vs continuous, convex vs non-convex, constraint handling, etc.)
- Hands-on expertise in major optimization methods and frameworks (e.g., gradient-based methods, adjoint-based method, evolutionary algorithms, swarm-based methods, optimal design of experiments)
- Fundamental comprehension of and practical experience with both CPU- and GPU-based computer architectures for optimization problems
- 5+ years of working experience in academia or industry in optimization and large-scale numerical applications
- M.Sc. or Ph.D. in mathematics, engineering, physics or related field
- Solid experience with efficient numerical solvers and modern software libraries
- First-hand experience with Python and/or similar programming languages
- Fundamental comprehension of software design and engineering concepts and ability to collaborate with software engineers
- Knowledge of surrogate modeling and differentiable programming
- Experience with ML libraries such as PyTorch and/or JAX
- Experience with FEM and conventional FEM tools
- General understanding of physics, especially electromagnetism and quantum physics
- Knowledge of state-of-the-art deep-learning based methods for model calibration (e.g., inverse problem and simulation)
Nice to Have:
Benefits
- Our success is your success : own it with our BSPCE plan
- Direct IP Compensation: Earn substantial bonuses for driving the core patents that define our quantum architecture.
- Flexible remote policy, up to 40 % a month
- A Parental Plan including additional benefits such as crèche support or additional days-off to take care of under 12 years old children
- Subsidized membership with Urban Sports Club
- Mental health support with moka.care
- 25-day vacation policy (as per French law) + RTT
- Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law), or yearly allowance for the die-hard bicycle users
- Competitive health coverage with Alan
- Meal vouchers with Swile, as well as access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen
- French language courses covered by the company for those interested
Recruitment Process
- Screening Call with Grace, Talent Acquisition Specialist (30 min)
- Hiring Manager Interview with Mattis (45 min)
- Technical Interview/Presentation with the team (60 min)
- Leadership/Fit Interview (45 min)
- Reference Check
Research shows that women might feel hesitant to apply for this job if they don't match 100% of the job requirements listed. This list is a guide, and we'd love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match. We are looking to build teams that innovate, not just tick boxes on a job spec.
You will join of one of the most innovative startups in France at an early stage, to be part of a passionate and friendly team on its mission to build the first universal quantum computer!
We love to share and learn from one another, so you will be certain to innovate, develop new ideas, and have the space to grow.
Top Skills
Fem Software
Numerical Solvers
Python
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The Company
What We Do
Founded in 2020, Alice & Bob secured $30 M funding in Series A.
Today, we're recognized as one of the leaders in Quantum Computing.
Our cat qubits are error corrected by design, reducing hardware requirements by up to 200 times compared to other platforms enabling fault-tolerant quantum computing at scale.
Our headquarters is located in Paris, with offices in Boston, MA.
We are 80+ smart and dedicated innovators, coming from 17+ countries and growing by the day. We are committed to one mission: build a useful quantum computer.
Check open positions: bit.ly/joinusatAB
