At planqc, we build scalable quantum computers based on neutral atoms and actively shape the ecosystem that enables their development. As we grow, our publicly funded research projects are becoming larger, more international, and increasingly complex.
This role is about the biggest projects planqc has to offer – large, publicly funded programmes to build quantum computers, each worth tens of millions of euros. These are mainly projects funded by German entities such as the BMFTR and the DLR, as well as European sources like Horizon Europe. With around a dozen projects running in parallel, it is easy to lose track of the many deadlines, deliverables, budgets, and reporting obligations.
As Research Project manager, you are responsible for the operational delivery of some of planqc´s largest publicly funded research programmes. Working alongside the technical project leads, you ensure that complex, multi-partner projects remain on track, from planning and consortium coordination to reporting, budget risks, and stakeholder communication.
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Tracking & Dashboard: You collect status updates and track progress across all projects, maintaining a central overview dashboard that gives employees, C-level, and investors transparency on our portfolio – and proactively reminding people of upcoming deadlines, deliverables, and obligations
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Project Management:own the operational management of large publicly funded research programmes, ensuring milestones, deliverable, budgets and reporting obligations are met throughout the projectl ifecycle.
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Reporting: You coordinate the extensive report writing– in particular interim and final reports for funding institutions – making sure they get done on time, with input gathered from the technical staff
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Budget Tracking: You handle budget tracking and cost reporting across the projects, in close coordination with Finance
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Compliance & Contracts: You keep projects audit-ready by maintaining complete, accurate documentation throughout the project lifecycle, and support contract administration (with Legal) and procurement where required
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Consortium Meetings: You plan and organise the periodic consortium meetings that some projects require across all partner organisations (e.g. every six months), including documentation and follow-up actions
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Point of Contact: When needed,you act as a point of contact for funding institutions, project sponsors, and consortium partners on administrative matters
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Stakeholder Management:Coordinate collaboration across universities, research institutes, industrial partners,and funding organisation
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Organise consortium meetings, steering workshops, and follow up on agreed actions to keep all partner aligned.
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Process Improvement: You take ownership of continuously improving the processes, templates, and digital tools around project administration, reporting, and budget tracking
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Background & Experience: A background in either a technical field (e.g. physics, engineering, natural sciences) or business/management (e.g. business administration, economics, project management). At least a degree plus 2 years of relevant professional experience (or more experience without a degree).
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Organisation & Numbers: Strong organisational skills, a structured, methodical way of working, and comfort working with numbers and budgets
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Funded R&D: Experience coordinating publicly funded R&D projects, including application platforms and interim/final reports
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Writing: Excellent written communication skills, particularly for structured reports
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Languages: English at a minimum of C1 level and German at a minimum of B2 level
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Grant Accounting & Audits: Deep grant-accounting expertise (e.g. BMFTR/DLR cost claims, Horizon Europe financial reporting) and experience with project audits and audit-readiness
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International Context: Experience in interdisciplinary and/or international project contexts
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Deep Tech: A background in quantum technologies or another deep-tech environment
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Structure & Overview: You bring structure and visibility to complex, cross-functional projects and keep an overview even when many projects run in parallel
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Reliability: You work independently, reliably, and with attention to detail
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Communication: You communicate clearly
planqc builds neutral-atom quantum computers based on arrays of optically trapped atoms controlled with high-precision laser systems. Our platform combines technologies from optical lattice clocks, quantum gas microscopes and fast Rydberg gates into a scalable computing architecture.
Founded in 2022 as a spin-off from MPQ and LMU Munich, we translate more than a decade of AMO research into deployable quantum systems. Our work spans vacuum and laser hardware, control electronics, firmware, system software and algorithm integration. We focus on turning complex experimental setups into stable, reproducible systems that operate in real computing environments.
Behind this technology is a team that pushes technical boundaries, values open exchange and shared ownership. Physicists, engineers, software developers and business specialists work closely together, often across disciplinary limits. We believe progress comes from combining deep expertise with practical engineering and from giving people the responsibility and trust to shape their domain.
As we grow across our locations in Garching, Ulm, and Innsbruck, we continue to build a company where people take ownership, learn from each other, and directly shape the systems we bring into operation.
