Quantum RF Engineer (full-time)

About OrangeQS

OrangeQS is a Delft-based deep tech company that focuses on one of the hardest bottlenecks in quantum computing: testing quantum chips at scale.

Founded in 2020, the company develops automated hardware and software solutions that enable fast, precise, and standardized testing and characterization of quantum chips, helping the industry move from fragile lab setups to industrial grade manufacturing. By dramatically reducing the time, cost, and expert effort required to test quantum devices, OrangeQS supports quantum hardware companies and R&D labs in accelerating development toward reliable, large-scale quantum computers.

To achieve that, OrangeQS tools operate in frequency regimes up to the GHz range in a complex cryogenic system environment. These tools allow for dramatically reducing the time, cost and expert effort required to test quantum devices and thus can scale quantum chip towards industry-grade levels.

Role

As the resident Quantum RF Engineer, you are responsible both for providing expertise on designated technical topics and for the contact for the technical teams of our suppliers. The role carries ownership of several core in‑house RF and electrical engineering domains that underpin reliable quantum system performance. This includes shaping our approach to cryogenic signal integrity, electromagnetic design, grounding philosophy, and overall microwave hygiene.

By setting the technical direction, defining robust engineering practices, and translating RF behaviour into system‑level implications, the specialist strengthens both our architecture and our teams. Over time, this expertise helps to connect detailed RF specifications to the system‑limited performance of our quantum chips under test, while providing a stable technical backbone for OrangeQS' growth.

Responsibilities

RF Engineering & System Understanding

• Shape the architecture and behaviour of RF and baseband signal paths, from DC and low-frequency control signals up to 20 GHz, using connectorized, off the shelf components, ensuring predictable performance under cryogenic and system-level constraints.
• Determine the ideal coaxial cable set-up for low insertion loss, phase coherence across entire signal generation bandwidth, and impedance matching.
• Ensure signal integrity from AWG to QPU by accounting for distortion, non-linearity, reflections, (thermal) noise contributions, and system-level interactions across the full (cryo-) I/O chain.
• Lead analyses on noise temperature (floor) and subsequent filtering requirements, connecting these to system-level performance and qubit performance.
• Guide electromagnetic design efforts, including FEM, FIT, and ray tracing simulations for e.g., sample holders and shielding, to ensure robust component- and system-level behaviour.
• Define and uphold grounding and electromagnetic-hygiene principles that prevent unintended coupling, SNR degradation, ground loops, frequency desynchronization, phase non-coherence, and signal instability.
• Lead hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis to resolve complex RF, LF and system-interaction issues, guiding the team through structured problem solving.

Supplier & Interface Management

• Translate QPU/system level measurement requirements into pass/fail criteria for externally sourced signal generators.
• Actively steer and align suppliers delivering RF equipment and connectorized components.
• Ensure delivered components meet QPU/system needs, not just supplier datasheet specifications.
• Define and oversee acceptance tests for incoming components and hardware, ensuring they demonstrably meet the requirements and specifications we set.

Team & Coaching

• Serve as a senior technical reference within the team.
• Coach and guide junior and medior engineers.
• Raise the level of professionalism, structure, and RF discipline.
• Act as a stabilizing, mentoring presence in a growing organization.

Qualifications

Experience & Expertise

• Strong background in RF engineering (<20GHz domain).
• Experience with various up conversion schemes: DDS, superheterodyne, time interleaving, IQ mixing, etc.
• Knowledge of set-up and use of VNA (S-parameters, VSWR measurements, basic calibration techniques), spectrum analyser (noise floor and output power), oscilloscope (signal modulation verification, hardware synchronization, transient detection).
• Phase noise analysis experience a pre
• Basic understanding of python for writing scripts to test and analyse signal integrity procured from external suppliers
• Experience with testing and verifying quality of signals that utilize simple modulation schemes i.e. square and gaussian envelopes
• Knowledge of HFSS or CST (EM) is ideal, knowledge of Ansys (IR) is a pre.
• Experience in semiconductor or closely related high-tech environments.
• Comfortable working in a startup / scaleup context.
• Broad, all-round RF skillset rather than narrow specialization.

Way of Working

• System-level thinker with hands-on mentality.
• Pragmatic and solution oriented.
• Comfortable operating in uncertainty and growth.
• Able to explain complex RF behaviour clearly to engineers and suppliers.

Seniority

• Senior enough to independently own RF topics.
• Capable of complementing existing expertise.
• Trusted advisor for both technical decisions and team development.

Interfaces

• Internal engineering teams (hardware, system, test).
• External suppliers and technology partners.
• Operations and product stakeholders.

Growth Contribution

This role directly supports:

• Product reliability and performance.
• Scalable engineering practices.
• Knowledge transfer and team maturity.
• Reduced dependency on "firefighting" through better upfront RF design and supplier alignment.

What to expect from us

We offer a full-time position in an inspiring environment with a dedicated team of scientists and engineers at the forefront of quantum technology. Orange Quantum Systems is operating at the heart of one of the leading hubs in quantum technology: the Quantum Delft ecosystem. By joining the team, your work will have a real impact on the development of technology for quantum devices.

How to apply

If you are a are a Quantum RF system specialist with relevant experience in the emerging quantum computing field, we encourage you to apply. Please send your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to recruitment@orangeqs.com.

Location: Delft, Netherlands

Contract Type: Full-time

Reports To: Director of Research & Technology Development

This post was published on: Apr 28, 2026

This post is available until: Full-time positions

If you are interested in working with OrangeQS, please share with us your resume, cover letter and references through: recruitment@orangeqs.com.

Are you excited to join the OrangeQS team, but don't see an open position for you? We also welcome open applications.

Internships

Internships for Quantum Engineers, Mechanical Engineers and Software Engineers are available throughout the year for EU citizens and applicants legally allowed to work in the Netherlands. The physical internship site is Delft.

If you are interested in an internship at OrangeQS, please share with us your resume and desired start and end date to: internships@orangeqs.com.