Senior C/C++ Software Engineer (all genders)

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We are looking for a motivated and technically skilled Software Engineer with strong programming capabilities and an affinity for hardware-related systems. The role focuses on the development, integration, and maintenance of software components for technically demanding systems, including quantum optical ground station technologies and related multidisciplinary engineering applications.

The ideal candidate combines solid software engineering practices with a hands-on mentality and an interest in modern technologies, embedded systems, and hardware integration. In addition to software development, the position may also involve laboratory activities, integration work, testing, and support during installations or commissioning activities

Core Responsibilities

The candidate will support the implementation, further development, and maintenance of software components within an existing software architecture and contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes and system integration workflows. The role includes working closely with hardware, system and quality assurance engineers to develop reliable and maintainable software solutions for complex technical systems, as well as extending and adapting existing systems for new applications and customer-specific requirements

Main areas of responsibility include:

• Development and maintenance of software for next-generation Quantum Optical Ground Stations supporting free-space optical communication and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
• Development of application and control software in C/C++ and Python for telescope operation, optical instrumentation, tracking systems, and measurement equipment.
• Design, implementation, and continuous improvement of software modules supporting new Optical Ground Station capabilities and future system extensions.
• Integration of cameras, sensors, motion control systems, scientific instruments, and other hardware into a modular software architecture.
• Development and maintenance of software interfaces between hardware devices, distributed software services, and external control systems.
• Debugging, testing, and performance optimization of complex hardware/software systems in laboratory and operational environments.
• Participation in laboratory integration, system verification, on-site installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing of Optical Ground Stations.
• Contributing to software quality through unit testing, code reviews, requirement traceability, technical documentation, version control, and CI/CD workflows.

Required Qualifications

The candidate should have solid experience in modern software engineering and structured development methodologies. A strong understanding of maintainable software design and collaborative development workflows is expected.

Required qualifications include:

• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python
• Experience with version control systems such as Git
• Familiarity with unit testing and automated testing methodologies
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and modern development workflows
• Understanding of requirement tracing and technical documentation
• Familiarity with Linux-based development environments
• Understanding of multithreaded or asynchronous software systems
• Ability to work within a defined software architecture and follow coding standards , development guidelines and software product assurance requirements.
• Experience with CMake-based build environments and dependency management

Beneficial Skills

Experience in hardware-near or embedded software development is highly beneficial. Additional knowledge in related technical domains is considered an advantage.

Beneficial experience includes:

• Embedded software engineering
• Java and JavaScript development
• Experience with GUI development (e.g. web-based interfaces, or similar frameworks)
• Knowledge of HTML and CSS for user interface development
• Experience developing and maintaining graphical user interfaces for desktop or web applications
• Hardware interfaces and communication protocols
• Network architectures and network topologies
• Distributed systems and network-based communication
• Real-time or high-performance systems
• Scientific, optical, or physics-related applications

Personal Profile

We are looking for a candidate with strong technical curiosity, a solution-oriented mindset, and the willingness to work in a practical engineering environment. A hands-on mentality and interest in interdisciplinary technical systems are highly appreciated.

The ideal candidate is:

• Interested in modern technologies and complex engineering challenges
• Motivated to work close to hardware and integrated systems
• Structured, analytical, and solution-oriented
• Comfortable working independently and within interdisciplinary teams
• Willing to support on-site installations, integration campaigns, and commissioning activities when required

The position offers the opportunity to work on advanced technical systems at the intersection of software, hardware, quantum optical technologies, and applied engineering in an innovative and technically challenging environment.

The minimum gross salary for this position is €3.378,48 per month (based on full-time employment) in accordance with the collective agreement. However, there is a willingness to offer a higher salary depending on experience and qualifications.

Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees!