Your mission
The future of AI computing is light, not electrons.
At Q.ANT, we are building photonic processing systems that compute with light—delivering a scalable, energy-efficient alternative to transistor-based architectures for next-generation AI and high-performance computing.
As Senior Embedded Linux Engineer (m/f/d), you take technical ownership of our embedded Linux stack: from custom Linux images and kernel/device drivers to production-ready field deployments. You'll work with technologies such as Yocto, PetaLinux, and Zephyr RTOS, actively shaping the interface between photonic hardware and software.
Your Impact & Responsibilities
- Define and own the in-house embedded Linux stack and embedded software for our photonic AI accelerators
- Develop and maintain custom Linux images (Yocto/PetaLinux) as well as kernel and device drivers
- Interface on-chip and off-chip components via MMIO, AXI, PCIe, SPI, I2C, and UART under real-time requirements
- Define and develop host-Linux-based components, including Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) tasks in the Linux host system
- Establish best practices, tools, and methods for building custom Linux and embedded software solutions
- Coach and develop junior and mid-level engineers
- Collaborate closely with R&D software engineers, processor architects, and digital design engineers
- Ensure successful bring-ups and field deployments
Your profile
- M.Sc./M.Eng. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field; equivalent industry experience also considered
- 3+ years of hands-on experience building custom Linux images and device drivers
- 3+ years of experience in low-level software development and RTOS
- Deep understanding of the Linux build system
- Hands-on experience interfacing on-chip and off-chip components via MMIO, AXI, PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART
- Understanding of services design in a Linux environment
- Solid command of C/C++ and Python; experience with Yocto and/or PetaLinux
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and agile development methodology
Why us?
- Work on the leading edge: Photonic AI acceleration technologies that will define the next decade of computing - already validated in production HPC environments
- Make impact at scale: Help solve one of computing's biggest challenges—making growing demand in compute and sustainability go hand in hand
- Own your work from day one: Broad autonomy and decision authority with direct impact on product success and the future of AI infrastructure
- Fast-track your growth: Work on challenges with few industry precedents—every problem you solve becomes new institutional knowledge and potentially industry-defining IP
- World-class team: Collaborate alongside a passionate, international, cross-functional team of experts in photonics, processor design, and AI systems
- Direct access to leadership: Work closely with the company's founders, including CEO Dr. Michael Förtsch, and advisory board members who shaped the semiconductor industry (ARM, Intel, Infineon)
- Collaborative culture: Innovative work environment that values technical excellence, open communication, and pragmatic problem-solving
- Be part of history: Join at the inflection point where photonic computing transitions from research to mainstream—your contributions will shape this transformation
About us
Who we are and what we do
Q.ANT is a deep-tech scale-up developing photonic processing solutions that compute natively with light and deliver a scalable alternative to transistor-based systems. The analog co-processors are optimised for complex computations and enable energy-efficient performance for next-generation AI and HPC applications. In collaboration with the Institute for Microelectronics Stuttgart IMS CHIPS, Q.ANT operates its own pilot line for photonic chips, based on the material system Thin-Film Lithium Niobate TFLN. Q.ANT was founded by Michael Förtsch in 2018 and is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
