Engineering Lead - AI & Automation

Your mission

As Engineering Lead – AI & Automation at planqc, you will play a founding role in shaping how the company leverages automation and AI. You will build and lead a new engineering team from scratch, driving automation initiatives using established process automation tools and emerging AI- and agent-based approaches. Working closely with stakeholders across departments, you will deliver solutions that increase efficiency and enable new ways of working. This is a greenfield opportunity to combine technical leadership with entrepreneurial impact.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and grow a team of engineers and AI agents specializing in automation and AI solutions.
• Define roles, hiring strategy, and organizational setup for the new team.
• Hire, onboard, and retain top engineering talent.
• Run regular 1:1s, provide feedback, and mentor team members for career development.
• Foster a healthy, diverse, and collaborative team culture.

Technical & Project Management

• Identify automation opportunities across internal business processes and engineering workflows.
• Scout, evaluate, and adopt new AI and automation tools to ensure technological leadership.
• Design and implement scalable automation solutions using RPA, workflow orchestration platforms, and LLM-powered agents.
• Maintain high technical quality through reviews, testing, documentation, and guiding design discussions.
• Ensure effective execution through planning, prioritization, and clear communication with leadership.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (business, operations, engineering) to integrate automation into existing systems and processes.

Your profile

Necessary requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong technical background in software engineering, process automation, and applied AI/ML.
• Hands-on experience with automation frameworks (e.g., RPA tools, workflow orchestration) and modern AI technologies (e.g., LLMs, agent frameworks).
• Hands-on programming experience, ideally in Python, for building automation and AI solutions.
• Ability to prototype and deliver automation solutions directly, especially in the early phases.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with proven ability to build trust and motivate teams.
• Experience with vendor selection and integration of third-party automation/AI tools.
• Experience with project management practices and agile workflows.
• Fluent in English (German is a plus).
• Valid work permit for Germany or the EU.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with prior experience in a startup or research-driven environment.
• Passion for leveraging AI and automation to transform how people work.

Supplementary skills:

• Familiarity with quantum technologies.

Why us?

planqc, founded in 2022 by scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), is a pioneering quantum computing startup based in Garching near Munich. We specialize in developing highly scalable neutral-atom quantum computers, utilizing individual atoms as qubits.

Here’s why you’ll love being part of our journey:

• Cutting-Edge Innovation: At planqc, you’ll work with state-of-the-art technology, using individual atoms as qubits to build highly scalable quantum computers. Our unique approach combines precision from the world’s best atomic clocks, quantum gas microscopes, and high-speed Rydberg gates. Together, we’re creating the fastest path to industry-relevant quantum advantage.
• Impactful Projects: Join us as we develop groundbreaking quantum systems and software, including a 1,000-qubit computer for the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), a bespoke quantum computer for the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and quantum algorithms for several DLR projects.
• Empowered by Excellence: With notable advisors and board members like Hermann Hauser (founder of ARM) and Professor Ann-Kristin Achleitner, we’re guided by exceptional leadership. Our Series A funding of €50 million allows us to push boundaries and explore new horizons.
• Dynamic Work Culture: We value innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team of around 50 brilliant minds works from locations in Garching, Ulm, and Innsbruck, fostering an environment where creativity meets ambition.
• Recognition and Growth: planqc’s achievements are celebrated globally. From winning the German Startup Award in 2023 to being named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum in 2024, you’ll be part of a company that’s making history.
• Work-Life Synergy: Whether it’s through team events, after-work socials, or opportunities to attend quantum conferences worldwide, you’ll find a supportive community that values both your professional and personal growth.