Research Engineer in Optics

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 close to €40 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 part of the CNT Engineering team at C12, you will help develop and operate our optical spectroscopy setups to characterize and select the ultra-pure carbon nanotubes (CNTs) used to assemble our qubits.

Your job will involve::
• Operation and continuous improvement of the Rayleigh and Raman spectroscopy setups

• Design and build new optical setups under controlled atmosphere to further improve the optical characterization of our CNTs

• Write automated procedures to characterize our CNTs at a very high pace

• Work with the software team to improve our internal database

• Write scripts for signal processing and statistical analysis of our spectroscopy data

About You::
• Engineering diploma or Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science or other related field ; past work experience or a PhD is also appreciated

• You love experimental lab work and you like writing python code

• You have some experience in hardware and experimental setup design and fabrication

• You like collecting, organising and analysing your data

• You are detail-oriented and organized in your work and documentation style

• You are diligent, independent, result-oriented and have a problem-solving attitude

• Very good communication in English (verbal and written) is essential

Preferred traits :

• Experience with mechanical design

• Experience in materials characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, AFM, probe station)

• Experience with micro and nano piezo actuators

• Experience in carbon nanotubes

• Experience with vacuum systems

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.