Cleanroom Engineer

Founded in 2020 and based in the heart of Paris, C12’s mission is to be at the center of one of the biggest technological breakthroughs of the century and change the course of history by building a universal quantum computer.
At C12, we believe that achieving a true breakthrough in quantum computing requires rethinking the fundamentals. That’s why our founders—deeply rooted in academic and engineering excellence—have chosen carbon nanotubes as the building blocks of our quantum processors. This ultra-pure material dramatically reduces error rates, boosts performance, and minimizes hardware overhead—key ingredients for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing. By crafting a unique approach that scales, we aim to revolutionize quantum computing just as silicon transformed classical computing.

Since our founding, we’ve raised over €25 million in funding, published 11 scientific papers, and secured 8 patents. Today, our fast-growing team of 60, including 20 PhDs, has over 20 nationalities represented. We have our own cutting-edge lab spaces in Paris' historic Panthéon district, where scientists, engineers, and innovators work side-by-side to tackle some of the most exciting technical challenges of our time.

If you're passionate about shaping the future of quantum technology and want to make a real impact, C12 offers a unique environment to grow, learn, and innovate.

Your role at C12 Quantum Electronics :

As a Cleanroom Engineer at C12, you will be responsible for the specification, installation, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of cleanroom process equipment. You will work hands-on with lithography, deposition, dry etching, and related tools, ensuring reliable wafer production while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and uptime in a startup environment.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys technical ownership, problem-solving, and close collaboration with researchers, facilities, and external vendors.

Key Responsibilities::
• Take technical ownership of several cleanroom tools, including:
Regular performance checks, calibration, and preventive maintenance
Troubleshooting and first-line repairs
• Operate process tools to support wafer fabrication for R&D and early production
• Anticipate technical and operational risks; propose and implement mitigation actions
• Conduct technical investigations and root-cause analysis of tool or process issues
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, service engineers, and vendors for installations, upgrades, and major repairs
• Work closely with the Cleanroom / Facilities Manager to ensure smooth daily operation of the cleanroom
• Anticipate facility-related bottlenecks (utilities, gases, vacuum, HVAC, etc.) and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop, implement, and maintain safety standards, SOPs, and best operational practices
• Train and support internal users on tool operation and cleanroom protocols
• Interface effectively with internal customers (researchers, engineers), subcontractors and suppliers to sustain an uninterrupted fabrication process
• Contribute to cleanroom documentation, tool logs, spare parts management, and maintenance planning

Required Qualifications: :
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Micro/Nano-fabrication, or a related field
• Hands-on experience in a cleanroom environment (academic or industrial)
• Practical knowledge of some of the following processes or tools:
Lithography
Thin-film deposition (PVD, CVD, ALD, evaporation, sputtering)
Dry etching (RIE, ICP) and/or wet processing
• Experience with tool maintenance, troubleshooting, and vendor coordination
• Strong awareness of cleanroom safety and chemical handling
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and thrive in a startup environment
• Fluency in English (working proficiency required)

What We Offer::
• Stock options for every employee (BSPCE/ESOP)
• Two incredible office spaces in the heart of Paris (both next to the famous Panthéon!)
• Sponsored trip to conferences around the world
• A highly dynamic international team
• Swile meal vouchers
• Vibrant office culture (team lunches, offsite events, Friday breakfasts..)
• Mental health support with moka.care
• Training budgets/ Annual Learning & Development Allowance
• Sabbatical leave (after 2 years in the company)

You should join us if...

You like hands-on work and technology
You want to contribute to achieving landmark results in quantum computing, making a difference in the emerging quantum technologies
You want to work within a 60-people team with various backgrounds in nanofabrication, quantum electronics, and carbon nanotube science to create a revolutionary quantum computing processor
You want to thrive in an exceptional scientific environment with several industrial and academic partners
You share our values (excellence, scientific integrity, diversity, curiosity, and care) and want to help us define our product-focused culture and ambition to accelerate.

C12 encourages all who feel qualified to apply. Recruitment decisions are based solely on qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience. Applications from women are particularly welcomed.