Technician / Engineer Cryogenic Integration & Validation

Quandela is a global leader in quantum computing, designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge quantum solutions for research and industry.

Its offering notably includes the most energy-efficient quantum computers for data centers, comprehensive quantum computing solutions accessible via the cloud, as well as access services to algorithms for academic and industrial players.

With a pragmatic and progressive roadmap, Quandela has been deploying industrial-grade systems since 2023, while developing future generations of fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of scaling through the integration of thousands of photonic components.

Quandela aims to make quantum computing accessible to as many people as possible to help solve the most complex industrial and societal challenges.

Learn more: Quandela | Leading Photonic Quantum Computing Solutions

Join us at the forefront of quantum computing innovation 🚀

About the role

As part of the development of our photonics quantum processing unit (QPU) production and integration activities, we are looking for a Cryogenic Integration & Validation Technician/Engineer to join our Assembly & Production team, based in Massy.

You will primarily be involved in the integration and validation of equipment and sub-assemblies within the cryostats used in our systems. These operations involve handling sensitive and delicate components, requiring great precision, meticulousness, and particular attention to assembly and integration conditions.

You will carry out assembly, wiring, thermalization, commissioning, and testing operations, ensuring compliance with cryogenic constraints and validation protocols.

You will also participate in monitoring the operation and maintenance of cryogenic equipment, particularly cryostats and their associated compressors. Understanding and using vacuum and pumping systems will be part of your activities, as essential elements for the proper functioning of cryogenic installations.

Beyond applying procedures, you will need to be able to understand system behavior, analyze anomalies, and contribute to identifying the necessary actions for their resolution, in collaboration with the relevant technical experts.

Depending on needs, you may provide remote technical support or intervene occasionally on systems installed at our clients' sites, in France or internationally.

The position is part of a small-batch production environment, with complex and multidisciplinary equipment. Production scaling is already underway, notably through the progressive structuring of our industrialization methods and processes. An initial documentation base is already in place, and you will contribute to its improvement to make operations more robust, reproducible, and adapted to increasing production volumes.

You will benefit from internal support and training to deepen your knowledge of Quandela's specific cryogenic equipment, with the possibility of progressively becoming a key technical contact for these systems.

Main Missions

Integration and validation of equipment in cryostats

You will integrate components and sub-assemblies, sometimes sensitive and delicate, into cryostats. These operations require great precision and adherence to cleanliness, handling, and assembly requirements.

To this end, you will:

• Prepare cryostats, components, and equipment necessary for integration operations.
• Precisely handle and assemble sensitive components, applying precautions and methods adapted to their fragility and integration constraints.
• Assemble and integrate components and sub-assemblies into cryostat chambers.
• Ensure the passage, routing, and fixing of cables and connections inside cryogenic enclosures, taking care to preserve the integrity of components and connections.
• Perform thermalization of cables and components, considering thermal and mechanical constraints.
• Ensure adherence to integration constraints: space, mechanical interfaces, material compatibility, cleanliness, and thermal constraints.
• Apply best practices for handling, protecting, and inspecting components throughout integration operations.
• Perform integration control and validation operations according to defined protocols.
• Analyze control results, identify any non-conformities, and participate in their resolution.
• Write associated validation reports and ensure traceability of operations performed.
• Identify integration difficulties and propose suitable improvements.

Requirements

Technical Skills – Essential

• Good practical knowledge of cryogenics and understanding of low-temperature constraints.
• Knowledge of heat transfer principles, thermalization, and mechanical constraints related to cryogenic environments.
• Ability to perform assembly and integration operations of components in cryogenic systems.
• Experience in handling and assembling sensitive or delicate components, requiring precision and particular care.
• Proficiency in best practices for handling, cleanliness, and component protection during integration operations.
• Understanding of the general operation of cryostats and their associated equipment.
• Knowledge of vacuum principles and the operation of pumping equipment necessary for cryogenic applications.
• Ability to perform commissioning, cooling, and validation operations according to established procedures.
• Ability to perform and validate integration operations according to defined protocols, analyze results, and write associated reports.
• Ability to interpret temperature and pressure measurements to analyze system operation.
• Ability to perform initial technical investigations, analyze observed symptoms, and contribute to identifying the causes of a malfunction, in collaboration with experts when necessary.
• Ability to follow procedures while also identifying situations requiring further analysis or expert intervention.
• Ability to monitor maintenance deadlines and performed interventions.
• Ability to read, apply, and write technical procedures and test reports.
• Awareness of risks associated with cryogenic systems and vacuum equipment.

Desired Qualities

• Meticulousness and precision: ability to perform delicate assembly operations with care, patience, and constant attention to detail.
• Rigor and adherence to procedures: attention to the quality of assemblies, cleanliness of equipment, and protection of sensitive components.
• Autonomy and initiative: ability to take ownership of assigned tasks, identify difficulties, and engage the right contacts when necessary.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills: ability to understand system behavior, analyze anomalies, and conduct methodical investigations.
• Pragmatism and practical sense: enjoyment of technical manipulation, integration, and concrete problem-solving.
• Organization and traceability: ability to document operations, track tests, and maintain reliable technical histories.
• Technical curiosity and willingness to learn: interest in equipment operation and the progressive acquisition of in-depth expertise.
• Continuous improvement mindset: ability to contribute to process structuring and work method improvement.
• Ability to work in a team with diverse technical profiles and to engage appropriate experts.
• Pedagogy and communication: ability to transfer knowledge and support other stakeholders.
• Adherence to safety rules and awareness of risks associated with cryogenic systems and vacuum equipment.

Benefits

What we offer:

• A high-impact role, with real responsibilities from day one
• A team eager to collaborate, share, and grow with you
• A hybrid work model: 3 days per week on-site in Massy, 1 day in Paris, and 1-2 days remote
• Daily exposure to the entire quantum stack: from high-level APIs to low-level firmware, and everything in between

Recruitment process:

• Interview with the Talent Acquisition team (30 to 45 min)
• Interview with the Hiring Manager (45 min)
• Case study: live or to be prepared at home and then presented
• Meet the teams
• 2 reference checks
• Offer

This process is indicative and may evolve depending on the position.

At Quandela, we are convinced that the richness of our team relies on the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We are committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. All applications are welcome.