Embedded Engineer (PCB design, STM32 firmware)

The Role

The Embedded Engineer will be a member of the hardware team delivering mixed‑signal control and instrumentation for our QKD systems. The role spans end‑to‑end board design in Altium (schematics, multilayer layout, DFM/DFT), prototype bring‑up/validation, and STM32 (F4/H7) firmware in C with deterministic timing where needed. The Embedded Engineer will own bootloaders/OTA updates, build automated test setups, and support vendors through manufacturing while coordinating closely with optics, FPGA, and software.

The Responsibilities

The Embedded Engineer should expect to work in the following activities.

• Hardware design, prototyping, and validation

• Designing analog/digital schematics and multilayer PCBs in Altium Designer; component selection; stack‑up, impedance control, SI/PI

• Planning DFM/DFT; test‑point strategy; manufacturing checks

• Managing prototype builds and vendors; executing bring‑up plans, precision and high-frequency measurements, and validation; lab debug and reworks

• Firmware development on STM32

• Implementing STM32 F4/H7 firmware in C using HAL/LL: peripheral drivers (SPI/I2C/UART/CAN/USB/Ethernet), DMA/IRQ, timers, and deterministic control loops

• Building robust bootloader and OTA update flows (USB/UART/Ethernet) with recovery, versioning, and rollback; watchdogs, fault logging, and persistent configuration

• Integrating with FPGA/software via clean register/protocol contracts; meeting latency/throughput budgets

• Test automation and CI

• Building automated board/firmware test setups (Python/pytest as useful); capturing logs/metrics; basic HIL smoke tests

• Establishing repeatable build/test pipelines for firmware and board validation; archiving artifacts and measurements

• Manufacturing support and releases

• Producing manufacturing packages and ECOs; supporting vendors through fabrication, assembly, and bring‑up

• Owning hardware/firmware versioning and release notes; maintaining traceable revisions

• Cross‑team collaboration and documentation

• Collaborating with optics/FPGA/software on interfaces, calibration, and integration

• Authoring design docs, calibration/bring‑up procedures, and change logs

The Requirements

The Embedded Engineer is expected to have the following qualifications and experience.

• 5+ years electronics design; strong Altium for schematics and multilayer layout; solid DFM/DFT

• Mixed‑signal fundamentals (SI/PI, grounding/shielding, noise); board bring‑up and lab debug

• STM32 bare‑metal C (F4/H7), HAL/LL, DMA/IRQ; drivers for SPI/I2C/UART/CAN/USB/Ethernet; bootloader/OTA experience

• Awareness of EMC/EMI and safety constraints; design and test considerations

• Basic Python for lab/test automation; Git‑centric workflow

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Ability to be on-site in Munich or Potsdam offices to work with hardware, when required

The Rewards

We are an international team of quantum technology experts and dedicated business creatives that are working to bring quantum-enabled solutions to the global market. Our brilliant team members enjoy a high degree of freedom working remotely or joining one of our office spaces. We have a vibrant, enthusiastic, passionate and creative culture driven by trust, excellence and continuous improvement. If you join the Terra Quantum team, you can expect:

• An opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the pioneering field of Quantum Technologies as well as an experienced and progressive Leadership team

• Gain knowledge of some of the most cutting-edge technology developments in science & engineering

• A chance to be part of one of Europe’s leading technology firms of the upcoming decades

• Welcoming, friendly, and professional colleagues

• A personal development plan with clear goals for advancement

• A competitive salary

• Flexible working arrangements

• A diverse and supportive atmosphere, where innovation and initiative are encouraged

If you are enthusiastic about positively impacting the world and helping to drive the second quantum revolution, let’s talk!

Company description

Quantum technologies have the potential to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. There have been great advances in all areas of quantum technologies, and new fields of application are opened up every day. Hybrid computer systems that combine classic high-performance computing with quantum computers are already being used to develop solutions in sectors such as logistics, healthcare, finance, energy, automotive and aerospace. Quantum mechanical predictions are also used to obtain unprecedented precision in measurements, generate unbreakable codes, and form the basis of impenetrable communication networks. All these developments are happening right now, and they are happening at Terra Quantum.

At Terra Quantum we are building the world’s leading Quantum Technology company. We offer customers world-class quantum technology expertise organized as “quantum-as-a-service”: hybrid quantum algorithms, quantum compute and quantum enabled security solutions. Through the proprietary quantum cloud, customers have access to a unique technology platform which provides a toolset to solve real-world challenges in the realms of machine learning, optimization and simulation, today. In 2022, the company closed its Series A financing round with a $75m fundraise.

Quantum physics has, in some respects, parallels to the machine language of our computers-the zeros and ones into which our keyboard or touchscreen instructions are translated for execution in the computer-only on a larger scale: it is the machine language of the universe. The second quantum revolution is based on the control of individual quantum systems, such as individual atoms. We use quantum computers to solve currently unsolvable problems, simulate molecules and their interactions, find drugs for diseases that are not yet curable, find new materials, or make artificial intelligence stronger. Quantum is now.

Terra Quantum is a future-focused quantum services and technology company working on making the second quantum revolution a reality. Terra Quantum’s activities span all areas, markets, and industries globally.

• Our purpose is to pioneer quantum technologies to change the world for good,

• Our vision is to lead the quantum revolution and be the trailblazer in technology solutions, shaping a better future for humankind to thrive in, and

• Our mission is to unleash the power of quantum tech to deliver meaningful solutions today

Terra Quantum is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity, inclusion and employee well-being.