Your mission
Location: Stuttgart Or Munich, Germany
Type: Full-time, hybrid (max. 1-2 days remote work per week)
The future of AI computing builds upon light. Q.ANT is building photonic processing systems that compute with light - delivering a scalable, energy-efficient alternative to transistor-based architectures for next-generation AI and HPC applications.
As
LLVM / MLIR Compiler Architect - Photonic Computing (f/m/d)
, you will design and build the compiler stack that brings photonic computing to life. You will shape the interface between developers and hardware, define how software frameworks drive photonic execution, and co-design the system architecture that will power Q.ANT's next-generation products.
This isn't incremental optimization - it's defining the compiler structure from the ground up for a fundamentally new compute paradigm. You'll sit at the boundary to algorithms and software ecosystems, and you feed into low level software interfaces and hardware architecture. Your design decisions will shape how Q.ANT's photonic processors evolve across generations and how efficiently they execute the next generation of AI workloads.
Design, lead, and deliver
the Q.ANT
compiler stack
- shape the LLVM/MLIR-based compilation framework for photonic computing
Define the MLIR dialect
for Q.ANT and build the path into the hardware interfaces and co-design the system architecture and Instruction Set Architecture (ISA)
Shape the hardware design point
to ensure large parts of algorithms can execute on-device with high parallelism, low latency, and maximum utilization
Provide technical guidance
to algorithm and application teams - help internal teams develop and optimize high-performance compute kernels for photonic execution
Drive profiling and performance
analysis
- analyze compiler-generated code to identify bottlenecks and optimization opportunities
Lead collaboration with external partners and internal teams
(system engineering, architecture, ASIC design) - coordinate compiler stack development while ensuring cohesive design across the hardware/software stack
Contribute to Q.ANT's Open Source
initiatives
- engage with the LLVM/MLIR community and Open Source development practices
Your profile
5+ years building compilers (LLVM/MLIR)
and
co-designing hardware architectures
, including profiling and performance analysis of compiler-generated code
Deep expertise in systems architecture
,
programming languages
,
and AI/scientific computing algorithms
- you understand how compute architectures work and what algorithms need from hardware
Master's degree or PhD
in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field; equivalent industry experience considered
Fluent in English
; German language beneficial
Experience
with
novel
or
heterogeneous
compute
architectures
(GPUs, TPUs, FPGAs, custom accelerators) is a
plus
Hands-on experience
defining MLIR dialects
and
contributing to LLVM/MLIR Open Source projects
is a
plus
Experience with AI frameworks
(PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow) and
parallel
programming
(OpenMP, MPI) is a
plus
Background in photonics
is
beneficial
(but not required)
Why us?
Make impact at scale:
Help solve one of computing's biggest challenges - making growing demand in compute and sustainability go hand in hand
Work on the leading edge:
Photonic AI acceleration technologies that will define the next decade of computing - already validated in production HPC environments
Own your work from day one:
Shape design and code of software, client solutions, and public collaterals on your own, 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
Be the multiplier:
Your work enables entire developer communities and directly helps clients succeed with photonic computing
World-class team:
Collaborate alongside a passionate, international, cross-functional team of experts in photonics, processor design, and AI software
Direct access to leadership:
Work closely with the company's founders, including CEO Dr. Michael Förtsch, and the Q.ANT senior leadership team
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
We're looking for a technical architect who gets energized by building foundational infrastructure from scratch, shaping hardware-software co-design, and translating complex technical concepts across teams to drive a unified vision forward.
Ready to define how developers will program photonic computers?
We are looking forward to receiving your application!
Q.ANT is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.