Senior Project Manager - Deeptech/Quantum

About Quandela 
Quandela is a French deeptech spin-off from CNRS, building Europe’s first generalpurpose photonic quantum computers. We deliver across the entire value chain — from photonic chips to simulation libraries (Perceval), APIs, and cloud access (Quandela Cloud). 

We've achieved significant milestones: 

• Launch of Belenos, a 12-qubit quantum computer, 4,000× more powerful than its predecessor, to be installed at CEA TGCC by end of 2025 :

• Publication of a 2024–2030 roadmap: first logical qubits by 2025; interconnected quantum systems by 2028; fault-tolerant computing by 2030 :

• Partnerships with Mila (AI × Quantum ML) and renewing strategic partnerships to push the frontier in materials research with quantum technologies :   

Our Algorithms & Applications team already partners with Safran, Total, EDF, and SNCF. Projects are scaling fast — from €10–15k pilots to €200–500k strategic programs.

This is where you come in. To scale successfully, we’re hiring our first Senior Project Manager — to drive delivery and elevate client success. 
Why This Role Matters ?

Project management has been carried out by scientists and business developers. That worked until projects grew. Now, we need someone to : 

• Set up delivery practices (process, reporting) to anticipate client frustrations, secure satisfaction, and align projects with Quandela’s roadmap. 

• Enable senior engineers to focus on science. 

• Support pre-sales, translating client concerns into actionable proposals. 

You won’t just oversee projects — you’ll shape how we deliver value at scale. It’s not about evangelizing quantum, but about making sure client needs are understood, translated into projects, and delivered with impact.

What You’ll Do ?

• Project Delivery (today’s focus): Lead strategic projects end-to-end; set up processes, reporting, risk assessments, and documentation to ensure client satisfaction.
• Client Discovery & Proposals (growing share): Work with Sales and technical teams to turn client needs into actionable proposals and shape future projects.
• Collaboration & Reporting: Act as the interface between clients and internal teams; share lessons learned with leadership to continuously improve delivery practices.

(You’ll use familiar tools such as Teams, OpenProject, GitLab, Salesforce, and Jira.)

How You’ll Grow ?

• 3 months : Manage up to three projects at a time; run client rituals; set up visibility. 
• 6 months : Deliver with high satisfaction; draft 3–6 proposals; build credibility with executive leadership and teams. 
• 12 months : Deliver 6+ projects and 12+ proposals; shape a true Project Management culture with a balanced split between delivery and discovery.
  

From there, you would stand as the go-to PM for teams and partners : the trusted reference for guidance, alignment, and client success.

 
What We’re Looking For :

This is for you if… 

• You’re a PM who thrives in deep technology contexts. 

• You enjoy both steering delivery and shaping what could come next. 

• You want proximity to research leaders and decision-makers. 

This is not for you if… 

• You expect full autonomy day one without collaboratively shaping your process. 

• You want to be “just a coordinator” — this role demands both structure and vision. 

Must-Have 

• 5+ years in PM in tech/industrial settings. 

• Experience with complex stakeholders and sensitive contexts. 

• Structured execution skills (Agile or PMP)

Bonus 

• Familiarity with quantum, AI, HPC, or applied maths. 

• Pre-sales or proposal writing experience. 

• PMP / Agile Method certification.  

Languages 

• Bilingual French/English (mandatory: 31+ nationalities, clients in France & abroad)

Example of Backgrounds we value  :  

• Consulting + Deeptech : for example, someone from McKinsey/BCG with a PhD or an engineering degree who knows how to bridge strategy and science. 

• Engineering/Scientific + Project Delivery : someone from applied maths, physics, HPC, AI or quantum (PHD or an engineering degree) who has already managed multi-stakeholder projects and wants to grow into client engagement and pre-sales. 

> Either way, we’re looking for a proven ability to operate at the interface of science, business, and delivery. 

What We Offer :

• A unique, high-ownership role in a fast-growing quantum leader. 

• Direct access to R&D, Sales, Product, and executive leadership.

• Mentorship and support to adapt scientific project management best practices to client-facing contexts.

• A environment of 120+ experts, from theory to hardware, combining scientific rigor with entrepreneurial spirit.
  

Competitive remuneration (€55–70k) 

We’re targeting a range between €55k and €70k gross per year.
Depending on your background and how fast you can ramp up in both delivery and discovery. 

• Around €55–60k : for someone with a strong PM delivery track record, ready to grow progressively into pre-sales/discovery. 

• Around €60–65k : for candidates already comfortable with both project delivery and early involvement in client proposals. 

• €65–70k : for senior candidates who can operate independently from day one on sensitive projects (multi-hundred-k€), and who bring direct experience in client engagement, pre-sales, or deeptech contexts (HPC, AI, quantum). 
  

On top of base salary: annual profit-sharing, company savings plan, 100% health coverage (Alan), 50% transport reimbursement or mobility bonus, Swile meal vouchers, and access to Gymlib. 

...
And above all : 

• this role is built to grow - from delivering projects with impact to shaping how discovery and client engagement are structured at Quandela !

• The chance to contribute to Europe’s most advanced quantum computing roadmap !
  

We’re not looking for a flashy evangelist… but for a PM builder who can convert quantum promise into delivered value. If you’re ready to do both delivery and discovery, in a pioneering deeptech environment, let’s speak 😊