Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer - Optimization (W/M)

We are looking for a Research Engineer in Quantum Optimization with a strong background in Operations Research and experience in Quantum Computing to strengthen our team. What you’ll do : Lead quantum optimisation R&D projects end-to-end within the Quantum Graph Optimization (QGO) team: from early technical discussions and problem framing to project delivery and handover. Investigate and synthesize the state of the art (academic and industrial literature) to identify relevant directions, assess feasibility, and propose impactful research paths. Develop and scale quantum optimization use cases on Pasqal quantum processors: improve and extend existing use cases ; identify, evaluate, and develop new ones, with a focus on combinatorial optimization. Translate real-world problems into optimization formulations and evaluate solution strategies using a mix of analytical reasoning and numerical experimentation. Design and run benchmarking and feasibility studies, including assessing the limitations of classical approaches and identifying realistic pathways toward quantum advantage. Develop solutions and experiment pipelines in close collaboration with the software engineering team, using emulation backends locally and on HPC when relevant. Work hardware-aware : investigate realistic implementations on neutral-atom hardware (analog and digital paradigms), including parameter constraints, noisy emulations, and practical limitations (e.g., addressability, shot-rate). Define blueprints for quantum utility experiments and collaborate closely with R&D hardware teams to bring them to fruition. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (Engineering, R&D, academic and industrial partners, and clients) throughout all phases of projects, ensuring alignment on technical scope, success criteria, and deliverables. Contribute to Pasqal’s intellectual property strategy, including identifying novel ideas and supporting invention disclosures and patent filings when appropriate. Support team-wide execution and knowledge sharing, including helping on code/components outside your direct ownership when needed and contributing to ongoing scientific watch activities. Monitor and respond to calls for project proposals, helping shape and coordinate Pasqal’s submissions and participation in collaborative R&D programs About you With a PhD in Combinatorial Optimization, Quantum Computing or in a related field and at least 3 years of experience after PhD , you have most of the following assets: Strong background in combinatorial optimization : familiar with classical problems, linear programming, constrained programming, heuristics, metaheuristics, complexity theory, graph theory R&D mindset : ability to explore, prototype, benchmark, and iterate on new approaches. Write clear technical reports and contribute to scientific publications Programming skills (Python) : good software engineering practices such as version control, testing, and documentation Solid experience on algorithm evaluation & benchmarking : experiment design, reproducibility, performance analysis Able to collaborate with Engineering and R&D teams across different disciplines IP awareness : ability to identify patentable ideas and support IP drafting processes Project leadership : plan and drive projects end-to-end, manage milestones and risks Partner-facing skills : technical relationship management with industrial and academic partners EU project experience: monitoring and answering European calls for proposals, proposal writing, consortium work Knowledge about quantum computing , with interest in neutral-atom-based analog approaches. Experience in quantum optimization. What we offer Contract type: Permanent contract based in Europe A dynamic and close-knit international team A key role in a fast-growing start-up Time allocated for training and attending conferences and meetups Process de recrutement A 30-minute interview with our talent acquisition team A conversation with Wesley, the