C12

Research Engineer in Optics

Posted Yesterday

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Paris, Île-de-France

In-Office

Junior

Quantum Computing

The Role

The role involves developing and improving optical spectroscopy setups for carbon nanotubes, including data analysis, automation, and collaboration with software teams.

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 minimizes hardware overhead—key ingredients for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing. By crafting a unique approach that scales, we aim to revolutionize quantum computing just as silicon transformed classical computing.

Since our founding, we’ve raised close to €40 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 spaces 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.

If you're passionate about shaping the future of quantum technology and want to make a real impact, C12 offers a unique environment to grow, learn, and innovate.

Your role at C12 Quantum Electronics :

As part of the CNT Engineering team at C12, you will help develop and operate our optical spectroscopy setups to characterize and select the ultra-pure carbon nanotubes (CNTs) used to assemble our qubits.

Your job will involve:

Operation and continuous improvement of the Rayleigh and Raman spectroscopy setups
Design and build new optical setups under controlled atmosphere to further improve the optical characterization of our CNTs
Write automated procedures to characterize our CNTs at a very high pace
Work with the software team to improve our internal database
Write scripts for signal processing and statistical analysis of our spectroscopy data

About You:

Engineering diploma or Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science or other related field ; past work experience or a PhD is also appreciated
You love experimental lab work and you like writing python code
You have some experience in hardware and experimental setup design and fabrication
You like collecting, organising and analysing your data
You are detail-oriented and organized in your work and documentation style
You are diligent, independent, result-oriented and have a problem-solving attitude
Very good communication in English (verbal and written) is essential

Preferred traits :

Experience with mechanical design
Experience in materials characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, AFM, probe station)
Experience with micro and nano piezo actuators
Experience in carbon nanotubes
Experience with vacuum systems

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 budgets/ 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.

Top Skills

Afm

Probe Station

Python

Raman Spectroscopy

Rayleigh Spectroscopy

Sem

Tem

Vacuum Systems

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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 !