Team Lead Data Science & Machine Learning (f/m/d)

Description

QuantumDiamonds is a novel equipment vendor from Germany which builds magnetic field imaging systems based on quantum sensors. Our Data Science & Machine Learning team in Pre-Development owns the chain from raw quantum sensor data to the current map an engineer can act on: the statistical evaluation of the sensor signal, the simulation and training data pipelines, the reconstruction of fields and currents, with the machine learning pipeline for three-dimensional current in production today, and the validation of every map against simulation and reference measurements. The machine learning here is physics-based: supervised models on measurement data, inverse problems, image reconstruction. It is not a generative AI role.

We are looking for a Team Lead to take over this team of currently eight data scientists and machine learning engineers plus interns, with a clear growth perspective, from our Head of Pre-Development, who has led it directly until now. You lead the people, own the backlog as product owner in our Scrum setup, and are accountable for a production ML pipeline that chipmakers rely on, with protected time for the research that becomes the next generation of the QDm. You work alongside two peer team leads in Pre-Development.

This is a leadership role with a strong technical spine, not a principal engineer role with a few reports.

Who we are

Founded in 2022 as a spin-off of TU Munich, QD leverages quantum sensors to rapidly capture three-dimensional current maps within multi-layer chips. Our strong, international team of over 70, including physicists, engineers, data scientists, and other experts, works side by side with major semiconductor manufacturers, supporting chip debugging and accelerating yield analysis. Backed by top-tier deep tech investors, semiconductor experts, and strategic public programs, we have ensured long-term stability, shifting from breakthrough to scale - and shaping the next chapter in chip testing.

QuantumDiamonds GmbH, headquartered in Munich, Germany, develops and manufactures semiconductor inspection systems based on quantum sensing. Spun out of the Technical University of Munich in 2022, the company uses nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to map electrical current with micrometer precision inside advanced 2.5D and 3D chip architectures. Nine of the world's ten largest semiconductor manufacturers are engaged with QuantumDiamonds, with systems deployed across Europe, the United States, and Asia. The company is investing €152 million to build the world's first production facility for quantum sensing-based semiconductor inspection tools, supported under the European Chips Act.

Benefits

• Picture this:
• Quantum sensors that see inside the most advanced chips on Earth, right where two frontier fields collide.
• Nobel-Prize physics aimed at real customers with real problems, in production now, not someday.
• Physicists, data scientists, and engineers building side by side, turning deep science into tools the industry actually runs on.
• An international team that runs at hard problems for fun, where knowledge moves fast and so do you.
• Still unsure about why joining us?
• You'll get to build a company together with a brilliant and welcoming team on a product that has never been done before.
• From Day 1, you'll own your own topics end to end and see the direct impact of your work on how the world sees QuantumDiamonds.
• Our technology is the cutting edge of tomorrow, starting today and not in 10 years.
• You’ll be part of a high-growth company backed by top-tier investors.
• Let’s make the invisible visible!
• What will you do
• Lead and grow the team: hire, develop and keep its data scientists and ML engineers delivering together.
• Own the backlog as product owner in our Scrum setup: prioritize production reliability against research, aligned with Applications and the two other product owners in Pre-Development and the company roadmap.
• Own the production ML pipeline for 3D current reconstruction end to end, from training data to release, and set the engineering standards it needs: CI/CD, reproducibility, testing, and how the team uses AI coding agents.
• Own the data science side as well: the evaluation that turns raw sensor data into field maps, the validation that says whether a map can be trusted, the FEM simulations behind the models, and the measurement algorithms for the next platform generation.
• Pathfind our data strategy with the Head of Pre-Development, who owns it: how measurement sessions, labels and failure-analysis knowledge get captured and used.
• What is expected of you
• 8+ years of professional experience in data science or machine learning outside academia, at least 3 of them leading a technical team with people responsibility.
• A senior or principal-level technical track record before leadership: you still read code and can tell a sound model validation from a flattering one.
• Product owner experience in Scrum or a comparable framework.
• You have shipped models trained on physical measurement data (sensors, cameras, detectors) into production.
• Fluency in Python and the modern ML stack (PyTorch or comparable), and working knowledge of MLOps practice: CI/CD, versioning, validation, and release.
• Fluent English; German is an advantage, not a requirement. On-site in Munich.
• You do not need a background in quantum sensing or semiconductors; we will build that with you. What we cannot teach on the job is leading strong technical people, product-owner judgement, and the discipline that turns research code into a product, and that is exactly what we want you to bring.
• Our benefits
• Mission: At QD, we’re driven by more than just building great products - we aim to make a lasting difference. Joining us means contributing to meaningful work that goes beyond business as usual.
• Impact & growth: This is an exciting stage of our journey, and your voice matters. You’ll have the chance to shape our culture, influence key decisions, and grow alongside a company that’s scaling fast.
• Health & fitness: With a company-sponsored Wellpass membership, you’ll have access to countless gyms, classes, and wellness offers across Germany to stay healthy and active.
• Team & culture: We believe the best ideas come when we connect outside the office. From regular off-sites to team events, you’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Well-being & balance: We value rest and recovery. That’s why you’ll enjoy 30 vacation days plus public holidays to recharge and return inspired.
• Learning & development: Your growth is our priority. We provide an annual budget dedicated to courses, conferences, or any resources that help you expand your skills.
• Ownership & participation: As part of our equity program, you’ll directly share in our success and the value we create together.