Qilimanjaro is building full-stack superconducting quantum computing systems, combining QPUs, cryogenic infrastructure, control electronics, racks, cabling, instrumentation, software and deployment infrastructure. Our Systems & Engineering division turns quantum processors into complete, reliable and scalable quantum computers.
We are looking for a senior technical owner for the electronics and instrumentation layer of our quantum systems. This is not a junior lab-support or general setup‑integration role. It is a high‑impact engineering position for someone who can define architectures, debug complex hardware systems, establish validation methods and raise the technical maturity of the team.
Role Mission
Own the design, validation and continuous improvement of the electrical and instrumentation architecture of Qilimanjaro quantum setups, ensuring that every signal delivered to and from the QPU is stable, low‑noise, diagnosable, repeatable and scalable.
Why this role matters
As Qilimanjaro systems scale, the electronics layer becomes one of the main determinants of system stability, measurement quality and setup reproducibility. Issues such as RF instability, DC noise, grounding loops, rack‑level interference, control‑electronics anomalies and weak instrumentation practices can directly limit qubit performance and slow down deployment.
This person will become the senior reference for questions such as:
- Is the signal chain correct, quiet and measurable?
- Is the rack architecture robust and scalable?
- Are grounding, shielding and synchronization defined by design rather than by habit?
- Can we diagnose whether a problem comes from the setup, the instrument, the QPU, the package, the software or the measurement chain?
- Can junior engineers execute standard electronics validation without relying on tribal knowledge?
Main ownership areas
- RF and DC signal‑chain architecture from room temperature to cryogenic stages.
- Rack electronics, cabling, grounding, shielding, synchronization and power‑distribution strategy.
- Integration and validation of commercial control electronics and lab instrumentation.
- Electrical‑noise, grounding and signal‑integrity debugging across full quantum setups.
- Hardware requirements and acceptance criteria for electronics, racks, signal chains and custom instrumentation.
- Test plans, validation procedures and documentation for electrical readiness.
- Supplier and manufacturer interactions for electronics‑related issues.
- Technical mentoring for junior engineers working on measurements, automation, rack wiring, Qblox validation or signal‑chain debugging.
- Define reference architectures for RF/DC lines, rack layouts, grounding topology, shielding, power distribution and synchronization.
- Lead debugging of electrical issues affecting quantum measurements, including flux noise, frequency jumps, DC offsets, RF instability, grounding loops, control‑electronics anomalies and rack‑level interference.
- Design and execute validation protocols for signal chains, including noise measurements, stability tests, line characterization, crosstalk checks and instrument‑configuration verification.
- Integrate and validate commercial control electronics and instrumentation, such as Qblox modules, QDACs, RF sources, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, digitizers, power supplies and related equipment.
- Translate recurring setup issues into engineering requirements, SOPs, acceptance tests and design rules.
- Review and improve wiring tables, rack diagrams, grounding maps, firmware/configuration matrices and instrument settings.
- Collaborate with Measurement, Hardware, Software, Deployment and Operations to make setup issues diagnosable instead of anecdotal.
- Support the roadmap for custom control electronics and instrumentation hardware.
- Evaluate vendor hardware, coordinate technical discussions with suppliers and define evidence‑based escalation packages.
- Mentor junior team members and raise the technical standard of electrical debugging, test planning and documentation.
Profile we are looking for:
We are looking for a hands‑on senior engineer who combines strong electronics intuition with structured engineering discipline. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between architecture, lab debugging, vendor conversations, documentation and mentoring.
You should enjoy solving ambiguous hardware problems where electrical, mechanical, cryogenic, software and measurement effects interact. You should also be able to convert those lessons into reusable standards so that the next setup is easier to build, validate and maintain.
* MSc, PhD or equivalent professional experience in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Physics, RF Engineering, Instrumentation or a related field.
* 5+ years of hands‑on experience with complex electronic instrumentation systems.
* Strong background in several of the following: RF systems, low‑noise electronics, analog electronics, grounding, signal integrity, test instrumentation, rack systems, precision measurement or scientific instrumentation.
* Experience debugging real hardware systems using oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, digitizers, power supplies and structured test plans.
* Ability to distinguish between instrument artifacts, grounding issues, signal‑chain issues, device‑level effects and software/configuration effects.
* Comfortable writing clear technical documentation: requirements, test plans, debugging reports, design rules, acceptance criteria and lessons learned.
* Ability to mentor less experienced engineers and impose engineering discipline without becoming a bottleneck.
* Experience with superconducting quantum systems, cryogenic instrumentation or qubit measurement setups.
* Experience with Qblox, Quantum Machines/QDACs, Zurich Instruments, Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz, Signal Hound or similar platforms.
* Experience with low‑noise DC biasing, microwave engineering, shielding, filtering, attenuators, twisted‑pair or coaxial signal delivery and cryogenic cabling.
* Experience designing analog front ends, custom PCBs, instrumentation interfaces or test fixtures.
* Python experience for measurement automation, data analysis and hardware validation.
* Experience working with external manufacturers and producing structured technical evidence for support or escalation.
* Experience in startup or deep‑tech environments where priorities move quickly but engineering standards still matter.
What success looks like after 6 months
* Qilimanjaro has a documented reference architecture for rack electronics, grounding, RF/DC signal chains and instrumentation configuration.
* Major electrical and noise‑related issues have a structured diagnosis path and are no longer handled as ad hoc investigations.
* Control‑electronics incidents are tracked with reproducible evidence and clear escalation packages.
* New setups have a clear electronics acceptance checklist before being handed over to measurements or operations.
* Wiring tables, rack diagrams, grounding maps and instrument‑configuration records are reliable enough to support debugging and future replication.
* Junior engineers can execute standard noise, grounding and signal‑chain validation tests without depending on undocumented knowledge.
Diversity and Inclusion:
At Qilimanjaro, inclusion and equal opportunities are part of our people‑centric value. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute, learn, and belong.
We offer:
* A unique opportunity to work on real superconducting quantum hardware
* Strong mentorship and technical growth
* Hands‑on lab + design experience in Barcelona
* Clear development path toward Quantum Hardware CAD Engineer
* Cobee flexible compensation
* Flexible working hours
You will:
Get the opportunity to build something amazing and unique, something that hasn't been done before
Work on ground‑breaking projects and possibly solve massive challenges on a global scale
Be at the intersection of research and industry, where biggest innovations happen
Make an enormous impact in a dynamic scale‑up rather than being a small cog in a big machine
Work with super smart, knowledgeable and yet, very friendly people in Barcelona, one of the best cities in the world (picture a lot of sun, amazing food and friendly locals)
Get to be part of a start‑up where growth on a company and individual level is the default
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