Your mission As Software Engineering Manager – SaaS & Platform at planqc, you will take ownership of a growing software team operating at the interface between customers, industry partners, and our quantum computing systems. Your primary responsibility is to lead a well-functioning software engineering team through its next phase of growth, ensuring reliable delivery and clear structures as the organization scales. Key responsibilities People leadership & team growth Lead, support, and grow a team of software engineers. Own hiring and onboarding for the SaaS and platform team. Run regular 1:1s, mentoring, and career development conversations. Provide structured performance feedback and conduct evaluations. Foster a healthy, inclusive, and collaborative engineering culture. Product ownership & architecture Act as Product Owner for our SaaS and platform products, owning backlog prioritization and roadmap decisions. Translate customer and business needs into clear product goals and delivery priorities. Participate in and guide architectural and design discussions, ensuring alignment with product strategy, scalability, and long-term maintainability. Make informed trade-offs between scope, quality, technical debt, and timelines. Delivery & execution Ensure reliable delivery through clear planning, prioritization, and progress tracking. Align team goals with company and product priorities. Communicate progress, risks, and dependencies clearly to senior leadership and stakeholders. Play a key role in preparing and submitting project and public funding applications in close collaboration with internal stakeholders. Your profile Necessary requirements: 3 years of experience in engineering leadership, or equivalent responsibility leading teams and delivery in a senior role. Solid technical background in software engineering and cloud-based systems, with the ability to contribute credibly to architectural discussions. Experience owning or significantly contributing to product backlog prioritization and delivery decisions Strong leadership and communication skills, with proven ability to build trust and motivate teams. Experience with project management practices and agile workflows. Fluent in English and German (spoken and written). Valid work permit for Germany or the EU. Passion for technology and building groundbreaking products. Supplementary skills: Background in cloud systems, distributed systems, or HPC. Prior experience in a startup or research-driven environment. Experience working with funding applications or R&D projects. Experience with quantum technologies. Why us? planqc, founded in 2022 by scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), is a pioneering quantum computing startup based in Garching near Munich. We specialize in developing highly scalable neutral-atom quantum computers, utilizing individual atoms as qubits. Here’s why you’ll love being part of our journey: Cutting-Edge Innovation : At planqc, you’ll work with state-of-the-art technology, using individual atoms as qubits to build highly scalable quantum computers. Our unique approach combines precision from the world’s best atomic clocks, quantum gas microscopes, and high-speed Rydberg gates. Together, we’re creating the fastest path to industry-relevant quantum advantage. Impactful Projects : Join us as we develop groundbreaking quantum systems and software, including a 1,000-qubit computer for the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), a bespoke quantum computer for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and quantum algorithms for several DLR projects. Empowered by Excellence : With notable advisors and board members like Hermann Hauser (founder of ARM) and Professor Ann-Kristin Achleitner, we’re guided by exceptional leadership. Our Series A funding of €50 million allows us to push boundaries and explore new horizons. Dynamic Work Culture : We value innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team of around 100 brilliant minds works from locations in Garching, Ulm, and Innsbruck, fostering an environment where creativity meets ambition. Recognition and Growth : planqc’s achievements are celebrated globally. From winning the German Startup Award in 2023 to being named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum in 2024, you’ll be part of a company that’s making history. Work-Life Synergy : Whether it’s through team events, after-work socials, or opportunities to attend quantum conferences worldwide, you’ll find a supportive community that values both your professional and personal growth. About us At planqc, we harness the laws of quantum mechanics to build revolutionary computing systems. Our quantum computers store information in individual atoms — nature’s perfect qubits — and process it through scalable arrays manipulated by precisely controlled laser pulses. This groundbreaking technology is paving the way of redifining the future of computation but also enabling transformative applications across industries. Our roots lie in decades of international research on neutral-atom quantum technologies. Building on the technology used in the world’s best atomic clocks combined with advanced quantum gas microscopes, and high-speed Rydberg gates, we’ve built a foundation for innovation that’s unmatched. At the heart of planqc is a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re a quantum physicist, software engineer, or operations expert, you’ll find a place here to grow, contribute, and thrive. Together, we’re not just imagining the future — we’re building it.