Expert Optimal Control Scientist

Alice & Bob is developing the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer to solve the world’s hardest problems. The quantum computer we envision building is based on a new kind of superconducting qubit: the Schrödinger cat qubit 🐈‍⬛. In comparison to other superconducting platforms, cat qubits have the astonishing ability to implement quantum error correction autonomously!   We're a diverse team of 250+ brilliant minds from over 35 countries united by a single goal: to revolutionise computing with a practical fault-tolerant quantum machine. Are you ready to take on unprecedented challenges and contribute to revolutionising technology? Join us, and let's shape the future of quantum computing together!
About the Mission Control is one of the decisive levers for how well this platform performs. The way a qubit is driven, stabilized, and read out determines how close the hardware gets to its theoretical limits. That is where this role sits.   About the Role As an Expert Optimal Control Scientist, you will design and optimize the control strategies that maximize gate fidelity, state preparation, and measurement on the cat-qubit platform — operating point selection, pulse shaping, feedback stabilization, and quantum error correction optimization, among others.   About You You'll report to the Team Lead, Control, and work closely with Chip Design, Performance Optimization, Calibration, and QEC to turn control-theoretic methods into measurable platform improvements — from simulation to deployment and iteration on real cat-qubit chips.

Responsibilities

Design and optimize quantum control strategies

• Develop pulse-shaping and feedback stabilization schemes to maximize gate fidelity
• Apply control and stabilization methods to the cat-qubit platform

Model and validate control solutions in simulation

• Build numerical models and simulations to test control strategies at scale
• Validate performance and robustness before deployment on hardware

Collaborate on hardware implementation

• Work with experimentalists and technical teams to implement control solutions
• Support testing and iteration of control strategies on the platform through to full delivery in production

Advance the company's control-theory knowledge and toolkit

• Provide a clear view of the state of the art for qubit control
• Strengthen the mathematical foundations underpinning control design

Requirements

• 4+ years of research experience in control theory or a related domain, post-PhD in applied mathematics, control theory, physics, or a closely related field
• Strong foundation in mathematical control theory (model-based and model-free optimal control, controllability, and reinforcement learning)
• Experience with control of dynamical systems
• Numerical modeling and simulation skills, with experience in scientific computing
• Familiarity with data-driven control methods and reachability analysis
• Ability to translate theoretical methods into applied, measurable engineering outcomes
• Strong collaboration skills across research, software, and hardware teams
• Rigorous and autonomous, with the ability to communicate complex results clearly
• Professional-level English proficiency, both written and spoken

Recruitment Process

• Screening Call with Grace, Talent Acquisition Specialist (30 min)
• Hiring Manager Interview with Gaspard (45 min)
• Technical Interview with the Team (60 min)
• Leadership Team Interview (30 min)
• Fit Interview (45 min)
• Reference check

Benefits:   - Our success is your success: own it with our BSPCE plan - Direct IP Compensation: Earn substantial bonuses for driving the core patents that define our quantum architecture. - Flexible remote policy, up to 40 % a month - A Parental plan including additional benefits such as crèche support or additional days-off to take care of under 12 years old children - Subsidized membership with Urban Sports Club - Mental health support with moka.care - 25-day vacation policy (as per French law) + RTT - Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law), or yearly allowance for the die-hard bicycle users - Competitive health coverage, with Alan. - Meal vouchers with Swile, as well as access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen - French language courses covered by the company for those interested     Research shows that women might feel hesitant to apply for this job if they don't match 100% of the job requirements listed. This list is a guide, and we'd love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match. We are looking to build teams that innovate, not just tick boxes on a job spec.   You will join of one of the most innovative startups in France at an early stage, to be part of a passionate and friendly team on its mission to build the first universal quantum computer!   We love to share and learn from one another, so you will be certain to innovate, develop new ideas, and have the space to grow.