RF Engineer

Company Overview

Planckian is developing the core technology to power utility‑scale quantum computers.

By design, our chip architecture decouples control lines from qubit count, removing a key bottleneck in scaling. It combines the proven reliability of superconducting circuits with a breakthrough approach to qubit control, paving the way for quantum computers capable of solving the world’s most challenging problems.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Ensure correct installation, operations and maintenance of dilution refrigerators, including base temperature performance, cooling power, and thermalization at each stage;
• Own the full RF/microwave signal chain — attenuators, isolators, circulators, HEMT and TWPA amplifiers, and filtering — optimizing for minimum noise and maximum qubit coherence;
• Design and implement shielding and filtering solutions: magnetic shielding, infrared blocking, EMI mitigation, and thermal anchoring across all temperature stages;
• Benchmark the system with superconducting qubits in collaboration with the measurement team, iterating on wiring and shielding configuration to maximize T1 and T2;
• Coordinate facilities requirements (vibration isolation, EMI environment, cooling, gas handling) and establish standard operating procedures for the lab.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field, or equivalent industry experience;
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience installing and commissioning dilution refrigerator systems for qubit measurement;
• Deep working knowledge of RF and microwave engineering in the 1–20 GHz range, including signal chain design, calibration, and noise analysis;
• Familiarity with cryogenic components and best practices: attenuator and filter selection, thermal anchoring, magnetic shielding, low‑noise amplifier integration;
• Experience with superconducting qubit measurement: dispersive readout, single‑shot readout;
• Experience setting up a quantum measurement lab from scratch, including facilities planning;
• Experience with parametric amplifiers (TWPAs, JPAs) and quantum‑limited measurement;
• Experience with PCB and sample holder design for microwave packaging of qubit chips.

Career Challenges

• You’ll face tough situations, especially the classic challenge: people problems. Navigating human dynamics can be tricky and requires patience and empathy;
• Some work is unglamorous, but building a great company means rolling up your sleeves. From strategic decisions to hands‑on grunt work, everyone contributes to the heavy lifting.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary + benefits;
• Stock options;
• Flexible working hours with hybrid working;
• Ego‑free, merit‑based environment.

Planckian is an equal‑opportunity employer.