Lead Applied AI Engineer, Quantum Computing

• Put AI to work inside a team building a quantum computer, and build the tools with the scientists who use them
• Deep tech, quantum computing hardware. No quantum knowledge needed
• Kyoto, Japan. On site, no remote. Relocation support included
• Up to ¥15,000,000 (approx. €88,000), plus stock options

Our client is building a quantum computer. They are venture backed with significant public funding behind them, and they are in the research and development phase, working towards a prototype machine on a fixed timeline.

They are searching for a Lead Applied AI Engineer to put AI to work across their experiment, optical design and control software teams. You sit with the scientists and engineers, find where AI can save them the most time, build the tool with them and hand it over so it keeps running without you. The job is hands-on, from the first prototype to reusable tools other teams can use.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal teams, including quantum experiment, optical design and control software, watch how they work day to day and find the tasks where AI saves the most time
• Choose what to build first. You decide the order, based on where the time savings are biggest
• Build prototypes with the latest AI models and coding agents, and test each one on the team's own data together with the researchers and designers
• Put what works into the team's daily workflow, then document it and hand it over so the team can run and improve it without you
• Turn the best tools into reusable parts that other teams across the company can use
• The test of the job is a tool that keeps running without you

About You

• You have led work with people outside software, such as researchers and designers, from finding the problem to deploying the tool
• You have run an AI tool in production that people other than you use every day. A demo or one-off proof of concept does not count
• Hands-on experience building applications with large language models, including prompt and agent design, tool calling, retrieval (RAG) and measuring how good the output is
• Production Python with tests, code review, CI/CD and documentation, using coding agents such as Claude Code or Codex as your main way of writing code
• Fluent English for an international team
• Willing to relocate and work on site in Kyoto, since this role cannot be done remotely
• Japanese is an advantage but not a requirement. So is a background in physics or quantum computing.
• Your title might not say AI. You could be in a forward-deployed or Applied AI role, an AI implementation role at a startup or software company, or AI and R&D automation at a deep tech or manufacturing company

Benefits

• Salary up to ¥15,000,000 (approx. €88,000)
• Stock options
• Relocation support, including for family members
• Growth. Our client describes the role as a path to VP of AI as their AI work grows

Contact Us!

If this is not the position for you, but you are interested in speaking with a consultant about your next career move, please reach out to us at info@chikarahr.com

Diversity and Inclusion

At Chikara HR, we champion diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our recruitment process. We partner with employers who value varied perspectives and strive to create inclusive work environments. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability or any other aspect of your identity. We are committed to treating every candidate with fairness and respect and matching diverse talent with opportunities where you can thrive.

Data Processing

By applying for this position, you confirm that you are comfortable for your information to be stored and processed by Chikara HR as part of this recruitment. Next steps will always be discussed with you in advance. For full details on how we store and process your information please see our Privacy Policy: https://www.chikarahr.com/privacy-policy