Failure Analysis Engineer (H/F)

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 role

As we scale chip production in our own facility, you'll monitor known and potential failure mechanisms across the production process, find their root causes, and propose the corrections that bring yield up. You'll report to the nanofabrication back-end manager and work hand in hand with managers and experts across the whole nanofabrication chain, from process development and process integration to production engineering.

Generate and organize failure analysis data

• Run failure analysis on identified cases
• Build and maintain a well-organized failure analysis database
• Synthesize and share status and progress with stakeholders

Master the tools of the trade

• Electrical and visual inspection tools
• SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope)
• AFM (Atomic Force Microscope)

Build a knowledge hub around failure analysis

• Establish a network of external contacts to access failure analysis experts and test tools
• Review the state of the art in superconducting chip test tools, and advocate for new tools where they add value
• Stay current on failure analysis methodologies

Identify failure mechanisms and drive corrective action

• Identify the root causes of failures
• Point out correlations between process steps that cause failures
• Propose corrective actions on specific process steps, in coordination with the process integration, process development and production engineering teams

• Master of Engineering (or equivalent university degree) in physics, materials science, electronics or a related field
• 5+ years of experience
• Strong knowledge of the IC fabrication process flow (front-end and back-end), able to recognize which process step could introduce a given defect
• Hands-on experience with electrical testing, and with SEM (including EDX/EDS for elemental composition) and AFM (surface topography)
• Good communication skills and a talent for cross-team cooperation
• Proficient in English
• No prior experience in quantum technologies required: failure analysis expertise from semiconductors, microelectronics or advanced materials is what matters, and we'll help you learn the superconducting side

Ideally, you also bring

• Understanding of packaging and assembly (wire bonds, flip-chip/bump bonds, TSVs)
• Knowledge of metallurgy and intermetallic compound formation
• Knowledge of fracture mechanics, fatigue, and thermal expansion (CTE mismatch) effects

Who you'll work with Internally, all QHI teams and the Chip Design Implementation team. Externally, failure analysis laboratories such as Bureau Veritas (ex-SERMA).

Screening Call with Alexandra Talent Acquisition Specialist (30 min)

Hiring Manager Interview with Youcef, your future manager (45 min)

Technical case study on site (90 min) — prepared and presented on the day, nothing to do beforehand

Leadership and Fit Interview (60 min)

- 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.