QA Engineer - Quantum Computing (m/w/d)

eleQtron develops and operates full-stack quantum computers based on trapped-ion technology. Quantum computing is a new computing paradigm rapidly approaching commercial viability. Our unique approach combines laser-cooled trapped ions with microwave control and tailored magnetic fields. Our next-generation computing machines under development will be able to find solutions to problems that are out of reach today, thus enabling new innovative products and services for a brighter future.

We are looking for a QA Engineer (m/f/d) to join us in Hamburg or Siegen. You will take ownership of quality across our software platform, from compilation services and the public API to the interfaces used by our operators and customers. This is a build-from-scratch role: there is no ready-made test suite waiting for you, and no expensive tool that does the thinking for you. You define what good testing looks like here, and then you build it. You are as comfortable writing a test strategy on a blank page as you are writing the automation that implements it in code. Responsibilities:

• Own the testing approach for our platform end-to-end: define what to test, at which level, and why
• Write test concepts from scratch — risk-based, covering unit, integration, system, and end-to-end levels, and turn them into running, maintained automation
• Build and own our test automation frameworks in code, integrated directly into our CI/CD pipelines, using your defined tooling
• Do the exploratory and manual testing that automation can't cover, and know where that line sits
• Establish quality gates, coverage expectations, and clear bug-reporting practices the whole team can work with
• Work closely with backend, platform, and hardware teams to test at the boundaries where software meets the machine
• Raise the testing literacy of the engineering team, so quality is a shared habit rather than a gate at the end

Required Skills:

• 3+ years in software quality assurance, with real ownership of test strategy, not only executing predefined test scripts
• Ability to design a test concept for an unfamiliar system: choosing the right test levels, techniques, and priorities from first principles
• Confident programming ability (Python preferred), enough to build and maintain automation yourself rather than depend on record-and-playback tools
• Hands-on experience with open-source testing frameworks (e.g. pytest, Playwright, Selenium) and integrating tests into CI/CD
• Solid grounding in testing fundamentals: test design techniques, the test pyramid, API testing, and when to automate versus test manually
• A generalist, tool-agnostic mindset, you pick the right approach for the problem, not the one tool you already know
• Ability to collaborate effectively with experimental physicists and engineers
• Strong adaptability and a quick learning mindset
• Good proficiency in English (written and spoken)

Nice to have (Bonus)

• Experience setting up a QA function or test strategy in an early-stage or greenfield environment
• Testing distributed systems, APIs, or cloud-native services
• Performance, load, or security testing experience
• Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop or lab/control-software testing
• ISTQB certification, or an equivalent grounding in test theory you actually apply
• Prior exposure to quantum computing or other deep-tech domains

What you can expect from eleQtron:

• Competitive salary: We value our team members and therefore provide remuneration that reflects this, additionally rewarding achievements
• Flexible working hours: We offer personal freedom through a variety of flexible work schedules
• Team spirit: In our international and diverse team, and with our regular team events, having fun at work is simply part of the culture
• Further development: We want to grow together, and so we offer our team members needs-based, individualised further training as well as plenty of room for personal development
• Wellness Package: We offer health-promoting benefits such as fitness programs like UrbanSportsClub to support your well-being
• Bike Leasing: Stay Mobile and Sustainable with Our Company Bike Leasing Program
• Moving Benefits: A warm welcome! We are happy to support employees who move for us with a bonus
• At the forefront: Work at the forefront of technology, where academic research meets commercial applications
• Modern workplace: We have a high-quality infrastructure with laboratory space, offices and meeting rooms