Job Description Engineering Lead (f/m/d) Employment Type: Full-time Location: Hamburg Salary: Up to €130,000 Base Opportunity Overview An innovative deep-tech organisation operating at the forefront of quantum computing is seeking an Engineering Lead to head its Quantum Firmware function. The business develops full-stack quantum computing systems using trapped-ion technology and is transitioning cutting-edge research into commercially viable products. This is a senior leadership role combining technical ownership, hands-on engineering, and product-driven decision-making in a highly interdisciplinary environment spanning software, hardware, and physics. Key Responsibilities As Engineering Lead for Quantum Firmware, you will be responsible for the technical direction, delivery, and growth of a specialist engineering team developing firmware that controls next-generation quantum computing systems. Technical ownership: Define and drive firmware and software architecture with a strong focus on modularity, scalability, and long-term stability Backlog and roadmap leadership: Act as Product Owner for the team, translating requirements from hardware, project management, and stakeholders into a clear, prioritised development roadmap Technical leadership: Set coding standards and best practices, provide architectural guidance, and support engineers in solving complex technical challenges while remaining hands-on where required Delivery and execution: Actively contribute to firmware development, database design, and automation initiatives while ensuring projects progress on time and to quality Cross-functional integration: Work closely with hardware and project teams to ensure seamless integration of firmware with industrial hardware systems Stakeholder engagement: Represent the engineering function in reviews, maintain transparency on progress and risks, and align with internal and external stakeholders Team growth and culture: Support hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and the development of a high-performing, collaborative engineering culture Process optimisation: Establish and continuously improve development processes, toolchains, and workflows aligned to both software and hardware lifecycles Essential Skills and Experience Strong knowledge of modern software development practices (Agile methodologies, CI/CD, code quality standards) Commercial experience in firmware development, including drivers, real-time systems, and hardware control Python as a core development language Broad technical understanding across embedded systems, database architectures, and automation workflows Proven experience leading software or firmware engineering teams A strategic mindset combined with strong execution skills and a hands-on leadership approach Experience owning or shaping technical roadmaps and managing development backlogs Strong English communication skills and enthusiasm for working in a highly interdisciplinary, research-driven environment Desirable Experience Background in hardware-software integrated environments (e.g. embedded systems, robotics, industrial control, IoT) Previous responsibility for technical product ownership or close collaboration with product and project management Experience working closely with physicists, hardware engineers, or research teams What’s on Offer A senior leadership role within one of the most advanced technology fields globally Competitive compensation package with performance-related bonus Long-term incentive participation through a virtual equity scheme Opportunity to work where academic research meets real-world commercial impact International, collaborative team culture with regular team events Individualised training, learning budgets, and long-term development opportunities Wellness benefits including fitness and health programmes Application Process For a confidential discussion or to apply, please submit your CV outlining your leadership experience in firmware or embedded software environments. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.