QPU Software Engineer

About the role

Role Overview

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our QPU SW Engineering team. In this role, you will develop the software that orchestrates and controls our quantum hardware stack—from real-time control of lasers and FPGAs to system-wide configuration, diagnostics, and feedback. Working closely with physicists, systems architects, and hardware engineers, you’ll build the tools and infrastructure that enable precise, reliable, and scalable quantum operations.

Key Responsibilities

- Design and implement software systems for orchestrating quantum experiments, including pulse sequence generation, device coordination, and real-time system control.

- Develop and maintain APIs and middleware that connect hardware control layers (e.g., FPGA, DACs, timing systems) with higher-level orchestration software and compilers.

- Implement reliable communication and synchronization protocols across embedded and distributed system components.

- Collaborate with system architects and physicists to translate experimental requirements into testable, high-performance software features.

- Contribute to diagnostic and calibration routines for hardware validation and performance monitoring.

- Develop tooling to support automation, test infrastructure, system state management, and logging.

- Participate in system bring-up, integration testing, and cross-disciplinary debugging efforts.

- Contribute to software architecture decisions, code reviews, and best practices across the engineering team.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

- 5+ years of experience developing software for hardware control, embedded systems, or distributed systems.

- Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++, and experience working with hardware interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet).

- Experience with real-time systems or hardware-in-the-loop control environments.

- Familiarity with timing systems (e.g., PTP), and communication stacks.

- Proficiency in system integration, testing, and performance tuning.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with scientific instrumentation, lab automation, or quantum hardware control systems.

- Familiarity with FPGA systems, DAC/ADC control, or pulse sequencing frameworks.

- Exposure to embedded Linux, RTOS, or custom firmware development.

- Knowledge of calibration, feedback, or control loop algorithms.

- Experience in multidisciplinary teams working at the intersection of hardware, software, and science.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $170,000.

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly. We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience. In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.