Applied Machine Learning Engineer, Industry Solutions

The Role

The Applied Machine Learning Engineer will be a member of Terra Quantum's AI Applied Research team. This team builds and delivers end-to-end machine learning solutions for industrial clients across time series forecasting, optimisation, computer vision, natural language processing, and generative AI. The Engineer will own the classical machine learning craftsmanship that makes those solutions work, from data exploration and feature engineering through to model selection, hyperparameter optimisation, training pipelines, evaluation, and client delivery. A subset of the models built by the team incorporate a quantum layer; the Engineer is expected to treat that layer as one architectural component of an otherwise classical pipeline, and to apply the full toolkit of classical ML methods (including tree-based methods, boosting, deep learning, and classical optimisation) to make hybrid solutions perform reliably on real industrial data.

The Applied Machine Learning Engineer plays a role in driving excellence within their team. They are not only detail-oriented but also possess a remarkable capacity for enthusiasm. By demonstrating commitment and passion for the mission, they inspire their team members to contribute to making quantum technologies widely accessible and to effect positive change globally.

The Responsibilities

The Applied Machine Learning Engineer should expect to work in one and supporting in the other areas of the following AI Applied Research Team activities.

• Building and delivering industry machine learning solutions
• Designing end-to-end ML pipelines for client problems in time series, routing and planning, GenAI, natural language processing, computer vision, and predictive modelling
• Choosing the right classical method for the problem (gradient-boosted trees such as XGBoost or LightGBM, random forests, deep neural networks, kernel methods, classical optimisers) based on data characteristics, not framework preference
• Treating the quantum layer (when present) as a constrained component of the model and using classical ML tradecraft (feature engineering, regularisation, training schedules, hyperparameter sweeps) to make the hybrid pipeline work
• Classical machine learning craftsmanship in service of hybrid models
• Doing the unsexy parts of an ML pipeline well: data cleaning, leakage protection, cross-validation design, baseline construction, statistical significance testing
• Designing feature representations that align with the quantum component when one is present, including Fourier-spectrum features and other quantum-aware encodings that classical models can also consume
• Profiling and improving training stability when gradients are noisy or non-standard, in cooperation with the quantum research team
• Contributing to our internal ML libraries and SDK so that future client engagements can re-use what one engagement built
• Supporting research and applied product development
• Translating proposed quantum machine learning algorithms and ansätze from the research team into testable implementations within classical ML pipelines
• Helping evaluate where and why a quantum layer adds measurable benefit on applied tasks, and, just as importantly, where it does not

The Requirements

The Applied Machine Learning Engineer is expected to have several qualifications depending on the area of activity.

• Completed a Master's degree in computer science, applied mathematics, data science, statistics, engineering, physics, or equivalent subject
• Hands-on experience with classical machine learning through coursework, an industrial internship, a research project, or a first junior role, and a clear interest in continuing in applied ML
• Strong command of Python, the standard data science stack (NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn), and at least one deep learning framework (PyTorch or TensorFlow)
• Comfort across the classical ML toolkit beyond deep learning, including tree-based methods (XGBoost, LightGBM, random forests), gradient boosting, and kernel methods, with good judgement about which method fits which problem
• Experience designing rigorous experiments (cross-validation, baseline construction, statistical testing, hold-out evaluation) and reporting the results honestly with appropriate uncertainty
• Software engineering fundamentals: version control with Git, testing, reproducible environments, configuration-driven experiments
• Curiosity about quantum computing and a willingness to pick up the necessary quantum concepts on the job. Formal quantum education is not required, and experience with frameworks such as PennyLane, Qiskit or Cirq is a plus rather than a requirement
• Familiarity with at least one applied ML vertical such as time series forecasting, NLP, computer vision, or industrial optimisation is a plus
• Goal-oriented and analytical, with the ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the European Union or Switzerland. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

The Rewards 

We are an international team of quantum technology experts and dedicated business creatives that are working to bring quantum-enabled solutions to the global market. Our brilliant team members enjoy a high degree of freedom working remotely or joining one of our office spaces. We have a vibrant, enthusiastic, passionate and creative culture driven by trust, excellence and continuous improvement. If you join the Terra Quantum team, you can expect: 

• An opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the pioneering field of Quantum Technologies as well as an experienced and progressive Leadership team
• Gain knowledge of some of the most cutting-edge technology developments in science & engineering 
• A chance to be part of one of Europe’s leading technology firms of the upcoming decades
• Welcoming, friendly, and professional colleagues
• A personal development plan with clear goals for advancement
• A competitive salary 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• A diverse and supportive atmosphere, where innovation and initiative are encouraged  

If you are enthusiastic about positively impacting the world and helping to drive the second quantum revolution, let’s talk! 

Company description 

Quantum technologies have the potential to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. There have been great advances in all areas of quantum technologies, and new fields of application are opened up every day. Hybrid computer systems that combine classic high-performance computing with quantum computers are already being used to develop solutions in sectors such as logistics, healthcare, finance, energy, automotive and aerospace. Quantum mechanical predictions are also used to obtain unprecedented precision in measurements, generate unbreakable codes, and form the basis of impenetrable communication networks. All these developments are happening right now, and they are happening at Terra Quantum. 

At Terra Quantum we are building the world’s leading Quantum Technology company. We offer customers world-class quantum technology expertise organized as “quantum-as-a-service”: hybrid quantum algorithms, quantum compute and quantum enabled security solutions. Through the proprietary quantum cloud, customers have access to a unique technology platform which provides a toolset to solve real-world challenges in the realms of machine learning, optimization and simulation, today. In 2022, the company closed its Series A financing round with a $75m fundraise. 

Quantum physics has, in some respects, parallels to the machine language of our computers-the zeros and ones into which our keyboard or touchscreen instructions are translated for execution in the computer-only on a larger scale: it is the machine language of the universe. The second quantum revolution is based on the control of individual quantum systems, such as individual atoms. We use quantum computers to solve currently unsolvable problems, simulate molecules and their interactions, find drugs for diseases that are not yet curable, find new materials, or make artificial intelligence stronger. Quantum is now. 

Terra Quantum is a future-focused quantum services and technology company working on making the second quantum revolution a reality. Terra Quantum’s activities span all areas, markets, and industries globally. 

• Our purpose is to pioneer quantum technologies to change the world for good,
• Our vision is to lead the quantum revolution and be the trailblazer in technology solutions, shaping a better future for humankind to thrive in, and
• Our mission is to unleash the power of quantum tech to deliver meaningful solutions today

Terra Quantum is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity, inclusion and employee well-being.