Low-Noise Electronics & Instrumentation Engineer

Low-Noise Electronics & Instrumentation Engineer

Hardware | Full-time · Hybrid | Paris, France

Target start date: Early January 2027

About Qluster

Qluster is a startup developing continuous-variable photonic quantum computers. By prioritizing architecture-first scalability, our ambition is to turn fundamental research into practical technology for healthcare, chemistry, sustainability and various applications.

We bring together physicists and engineers who value curiosity, initiative, and teamwork. Progress comes from open discussion, constructive challenges, and shared ownership of complex problems. Joining Qluster means helping shape both our core technology and the way we work.

Your role and responsibilities

As our Low-Noise Electronics & Instrumentation Engineer, you will develop and characterize the analogue detection and control chains required for homodyne measurements, stabilization loops and interfaces with FPGA-based acquisition systems. Working closely with photonics scientists, FPGA engineers and system engineers, you will turn sensitive laboratory measurements into stable, reproducible and progressively integrated electronic modules.

• Develop analogue front ends: design, prototype and validate low-noise measurement electronics for optical experiments.
• Develop balanced photodetection: design or adapt balanced photodetectors for pulsed homodyne measurements and characterize their operating limits.
• Design transimpedance stages: develop transimpedance amplifiers and associated analogue signal-conditioning chains.
• Control noise and measurement performance: optimize noise floor, bandwidth, stability, dynamic range, common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR), grounding and shielding.
• Define PCB architectures: design or review analogue and mixed-signal PCBs, including impedance control, differential routing, power architecture, decoupling and electromagnetic compatibility.
• Integrate converters: support ADC/DAC integration from the electrical and analogue perspective, including level compatibility, signal conditioning and clock-related performance.
• Characterize detection chains: measure frequency- and time-domain performance, noise, bandwidth, linearity, drift and stability using appropriate laboratory instrumentation.
• Develop stabilization electronics: design and validate analogue or mixed-signal feedback loops required to stabilize optical and electronic subsystems.
• Define interfaces with FPGA systems: work with the FPGA engineer on electrical interfaces, noise budgets, latency budgets, converter requirements and joint validation protocols.
• Prepare dedicated modules: help replace laboratory instrumentation with compact, testable and maintainable electronic modules suitable for future rack integration.

The role is focused on low-noise analogue electronics, photodetection, mixed-signal PCB design and metrology. Complete FPGA development, complex FPGA timing closure, cloud development, ASIC design and overall product integration are handled by separate specialists or workstreams.

Basic qualifications and experience

• A degree in electronic engineering, electrical engineering, instrumentation or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and validating low-noise analogue electronics and measurement front ends.
• Hands-on experience with analogue or mixed-signal PCB design or detailed PCB review.
• Strong understanding of signal integrity, grounding, shielding, power integrity and electromagnetic compatibility.
• Experience with frequency-domain and time-domain characterization using oscilloscopes, spectrum analysers, network analysers or related instrumentation.
• Practical expertise in noise analysis, dynamic range, bandwidth and stability.
• Experience designing or validating feedback loops and assessing closed-loop stability.
• Ability to document requirements, schematics, calculations, test procedures and characterization results clearly.
• A systematic approach to debugging and the ability to make clear trade-offs between noise, bandwidth, gain, stability, size and cost.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across photonics, FPGA, software and system disciplines.
• Professional working proficiency in English.

Preferred qualifications and experience

• Experience with balanced photodetection and common-mode rejection optimization.
• Experience with pulsed homodyne detection or pulsed optical measurements.
• Experience designing transimpedance amplifiers for demanding measurement applications.
• Familiarity with RF electronics, high-speed converters or low-jitter clocking.
• Familiarity with FPGA-based or embedded acquisition systems.
• Experience in photonics, quantum technologies, scientific instrumentation or other demanding experimental environments.
• Experience transitioning laboratory electronics toward compact, manufacturable, testable and maintainable modules.

What we offer

• Compensation: Salary package tailored to your experience and profile.
• Workplace flexibility: Hybrid work organization based in Paris.
• Benefits: Health insurance (50% employer-funded) and 50% public transportation reimbursement.
• Growth potential: As an early-stage startup, our employee benefits and workplace perks will expand and evolve alongside the growth and maturity of the company.

Don’t hesitate to apply if you don’t meet 100% of the criteria. We care deeply about potential, diverse perspectives, and motivation. Tell us what drives you and how you see yourself contributing to Qluster.

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process and workplace. Should you need any accommodations at any stage, please let us know.