C12

R&D Projects Associate

Posted 17 Days Ago

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Paris, Île-de-France

Hybrid

Mid level

Quantum Computing

The Role

Lead and coordinate cross-functional R&D, Software, and Engineering projects; translate R&D needs into actionable internal software specifications; prioritize features and roadmaps; establish operating rhythms, dashboards, and data-driven priorities; remove blockers and drive delivery of measurement, lab-to-engineering, and cross-R&D initiatives.

Summary Generated by Built In

Founded in 2020 and based in the heart of Paris, C12’s mission is to be at the center of one of the biggest technological breakthroughs of the century, and change the course of history by building a universal quantum computer.

At C12, we believe that achieving a true breakthrough in quantum computing requires rethinking the fundamentals. That’s why our founders—deeply rooted in academic and engineering excellence—have chosen carbon nanotubes as the building blocks of our quantum processors. This ultra-pure material dramatically reduces error rates, boosts performance, and minimises hardware overhead—key ingredients for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing. By crafting a unique approach that scales, we aim to revolutionise quantum computing just as silicon transformed classical computing.

Since our founding, we’ve raised over €25 million in funding, published 11 scientific papers, and secured 8 patents. Today, our fast-growing team of 60, including 20 PhDs, has over 20 nationalities represented. We have our own cutting-edge lab space in Paris' historic Panthéon district; where scientists, engineers, and innovators work side-by-side to tackle some of the most exciting technical challenges of our time.

Your role at C12 Quantum Electronics

As project manager reporting to R&D Operations Lead, you will orchestrate and facilitate cross-team technical initiatives across our R&D, Software and Engineering teams. You will translate complex technical needs into actionable specifications for our internal software development, coordinate resolution of critical blockers, and ensure projects move forward with clarity and momentum. This role spans two key domains: acting as a Program Manager for cross-functional R&D projects that require coordination across multiple teams, and as an internal Product Manager for software tools developed by our Software team to support R&D workflows. You will dive deep into technical challenges, identify bottlenecks before they become blockers, and ensure data consistency to drive prioritisation decisions. This role requires someone who thrives in technical complexity, adapts quickly across domains, and focuses teams on the highest-impact work.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Driving delivery of cross-teams projects across R&D, Software, and Engineering teams, including measurement-software integration, lab-to-engineering interfaces, and cross-R&D technical projects
Structuring cross-teams project execution, organize tasks, and establish clear priorities
Collecting needs from the R&D teams and translating them into clear product specifications for internal software tools developed by our Software team
Packaging technical and scientific requirements into actionable software development projects
Defining feature specifications and prioritise the software development roadmap in collaboration with R&D leads and the Software team
Establishing and maintaining operating rhythms (planning sessions, progress reviews, dashboards) to keep execution on track
Using data-driven insights to focus teams on the highest-impact priorities
Supporting the R&D Operations Lead on strategic initiatives and process improvements; and ensuring accountability and follow-through on cross-team commitments
Facilitating collaboration between teams to address issues and finding pragmatic solutions to complex technical challenges.

About you:

You have at least 4 years of experience in technical program management or product management in deep tech, hardware, or complex technical environments
You hold an engineering or technical degree (Master's in Engineering, Physics, or related field)
You have experience working in start-ups
You have a proven track record driving delivery of complex technical projects with multiple stakeholders
You adapt quickly to new technical domains and can switch between complex topics effectively
You are data-driven, using metrics and insights to inform decisions and prioritization
You have excellent communication skills in English, translating between technical teams and broader audiences
You think creatively to identify solutions and unblock teams before issues escalate
You are curious about quantum computing and emerging technologies (deep quantum expertise not required)

What we offer:

Stock options for every employee (BSPCE/ESOP)
Two incredible office spaces in the heart of Paris (both next to the famous Panthéon!)
Sponsored trip to conferences around the world
A highly dynamic international team
Swile meal vouchers
Vibrant office culture (team lunches, offsite events, Friday breakfasts..)
Mental health support with moka.care
Training budget/ Annual Learning & Development Allowance
Sabbatical leave (after 2 years in the company)

You should join us if...

You like hands-on work and technology

You want to contribute to achieving landmark results in quantum computing, making a difference in the emerging quantum technologies

You want to work within a 60-people team with various backgrounds in nanofabrication, quantum electronics, and carbon nanotube science to create a revolutionary quantum computing processor

You want to thrive in an exceptional scientific environment with several industrial and academic partners

You share our values (excellence, scientific integrity, diversity, curiosity, and care) and want to help us define our product-focused culture and ambition to accelerate.

C12 encourages all who feel qualified to apply. Recruitment decisions are based solely on qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience. Applications from women are particularly welcomed.

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The Company

HQ: Paris

54 Employees

Year Founded: 2020

What We Do

C12 is building reliable quantum computers.

The company is a spin-off from ENS launched in January 2020 by twin brothers Matthieu and Pierre Desjardins to supercharge the development of the lab’s promising new quantum technology.

Quantum computing has the potential to change our lives. But frequent errors limit the technology’s viability. We are tackling the fundamental issue: the nature of the hardware itself. We are tapping into the simplest material–carbon–to drive a technological breakthrough in the field. Unlike other quantum computers, we use carbon nanotubes as the fundamental building block of our processor. By combining the power of an ultra-pure material with an easy-to-manufacture semiconductor device, we are building a scalable platform for quantum computing.

Our executive co-founders bring a unique combination of scientific excellence and business skills to the company. Our team is made up of the world’s most accomplished experts in quantum electronics and carbon nanotube science. Our scientific advisors are renowned scientists and pioneers in spin qubits: Dr. Takis Kontos, Dr. Matthieu Delbecq and Dr. Jérémie Viennot.

In June 2021, C12 secured a $10 million seed round with funding from 360 Capital, Bpifrance (Digital Venture Fund), Airbus Ventures, BNP Paribas Développement, and Octave Klaba (OVHcloud), and additional grants from Bpifrance and the Ile-de-France Region.

We are leading quantum’s next material breakthrough, and we are just getting started. Silicon enabled the emergence of classical computing – it’s time for carbon to do the same for quantum !