Quantum Dot Process & Characterisation… at Quandela · Palaiseau

Quandela stands as a global leader in quantum computing, driven by groundbreaking technology and a strategic vision for scaling quantum solutions. The company’s unique ability to offer both hardware and software solutions, along with its commitment to build energy efficient datacenters and scalability, positions it to play a key role in the next wave of innovation, and in many strategic and sovereign industrial sectors.

Join Us at the Forefront of Quantum Computing Innovation 🚀

Role overview

We are looking for a Process & Characterisation Engineer to prepare and validate GaAs/AlGaAs samples containing InAs quantum dots (QDs) through the first steps of our single-photon source fabrication flow.

The role combines hands-on cleanroom processing – chemical treatment, PECVD deposition and high-temperature annealing – with optical characterisation of the QDs before and after each step. The data you produce decides whether a sample is ready to move forward, and how the process recipes should be adjusted.

You will start by running an established, well-documented procedure with rigour and consistency. As you build expertise, the role is designed to grow: within your first year, you will contribute to optimising the process, automating the measurement setups and taking ownership of sample validation for these steps, working closely with both the Production and R&D teams.

Sample preparation & processing (from day one)

• Run the established step-by-step procedure for preparing GaAs/AlGaAs samples with InAs quantum dots.
• Carry out the cleanroom fabrication steps: chemical surface treatment, PECVD deposition and high-temperature annealing.
• Follow recipes and operating procedures precisely, and flag any deviation, drift or anomaly as soon as it appears.
• Contribute to a safe, disciplined and efficient cleanroom environment.

Optical characterisation & validation

• Measure QD optical properties before and after processing, using photoluminescence and white-field imaging, including at cryogenic temperature.
• Compare pre- and post-processing results against acceptance criteria to decide whether each sample can be released to the next fabrication steps.
• Adjust process recipes based on measurement results, within defined process windows.

Data, reporting & traceability

• Analyse measurement data using Python and report results clearly and regularly to the Production and R&D teams.
• Maintain the sample database so that every sample’s processing history and measurements are fully traceable.
• Keep process documentation and procedures up to date.

Growing your scope (within the first year)

• Contribute to the automation and optimisation of the optical measurement setups and data-acquisition pipeline.
• Propose, design and test improvements to the fabrication steps, using experimental data and the scientific literature.
• Take ownership of sample validation for these steps, including defining checks and acceptance criteria.
• Contribute to the development and qualification of new or additional process steps, together with the R&D team.

Required qualifications & experience

• Master’s degree (Bac+5) in Materials Science, Semiconductor Physics, Optics, Micro/Nanofabrication or a related field.
• Solid foundations in semiconductor physics, particularly III-V materials.
• Solid foundations in optics and in semiconductor fabrication processes.
• Fluency in Python for data analysis.
• Excellent attention to detail and a rigorous approach to experimental work.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to investigate technical problems using experimental data and scientific literature.
• Clear documentation and communication skills.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.

Preferred qualifications

• Hands-on cleanroom experience, ideally in III-V device fabrication: wet and dry etching, PECVD deposition, thermal processing.
• Hands-on experience with optical characterisation, including building and aligning optical setups (photoluminescence, white-field imaging).
• Experience with cryogenic measurements (e.g. 40 K Stirling cryostat).
• Experience automating instruments or measurement setups with Python.

You enjoy hands-on work in the cleanroom and the lab every day, and you get satisfaction from a measurement done right and a sample that is fully traceable. You are comfortable applying an established procedure with rigour, and curious enough to ask why a result looks the way it does.

Over time, you want to do more than follow the recipe: you are ready to propose ideas, make decisions based on experimental results and modify the process accordingly. You are autonomous, proactive, and enjoy working at the interface between Production and R&D.

If you are passionate about semiconductor fabrication and quantum technologies, we would love to hear from you, even if you don’t tick every box.

• Competitive salary, flexible based on your experience
• Profit-sharing & company savings plan
• 100% health coverage (Alan)
• 50% transport reimbursement or sustainable mobility bonus
• Meal vouchers (Swile), Gymlib fitness support
• Childcare assistance & referral bonuses (€1,000–€2,000)

What we offer:

• A meaningful role with real ownership, from day one
• A team eager to collaborate and grow with you
• Daily exposure to the entire quantum stack — from high-level APIs to low-level firmware, and everything in between.

Process

    1. Talent Acquisition interview (30–45 minutes).
    2. Hiring Manager interview (45 minutes).
    3. Technical interview and team meeting.
    4. Two reference checks.
    5. Offer.

(This process is provided for guidance only and may evolve depending on the roles)

At Quandela, we believe that the strength of our team is the plurality of experiences, perspectives, and journeys. We are committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. All applications are welcome.