Quantum Architecture Research Software Developer

Xanadu; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quantum computing startup in Toronto is seeking a skilled professional to develop software tools for fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing. The ideal candidate should have a Master's in a relevant field, strong Python programming skills, and experience in high-performance computing. This unique role offers the chance to work on groundbreaking technologies that aim to change the world, fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace environment.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with object-oriented programming in Python.
• Experience with high-performance computing and optimized code.
• Familiarity with quantum computation theory and optical platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop numerical toolkit for fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing architectures.
• Maintain and optimize the existing fault-tolerant software stack.
• Run large-scale error-correction simulations.

Skills

Object-oriented programming in Python

High-performance computing

Software engineering best practices

Communication skills

Education

MSc. in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering

PhD in relevant field (asset)

Tools

C, C++ (low-level programming)

Job description

About Xanadu

Xanadu’s mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere.

At Xanadu, we are learners, innovators, researchers, collaborators and problem solvers. We are creating something that has never been built before. Few people in their life will be able to be a part of something like this, where if we are successful, the technologies we develop will solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, and literally change the world. And that is something to be excited about!

Your role and responsibilities

In this role you will help develop the numerical toolkit for fault‑tolerant photonic quantum computing architectures. Improvements to the scalability and performance of the architectures can enter anywhere in the stack, requiring a broad understanding of Xanadu’s public architecture and its iterations, but the focus will be on the interface between the physical entangling and logical error‑correction layers. Although you can expect some analytical work at various levels of abstraction, from optical circuits to qubit quantum error correction, the focus will be on the development of our in‑house software tools. This will involve using, maintaining, optimizing, and introducing new features to the existing fault‑tolerant software stack to run large‑scale error‑correction simulations for the purpose of evaluating performance and estimating resources.

Basic qualifications and experience

• MSc. in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering, especially in topics relevant to quantum information theory
• Several years of research or industry experience in related fields
• Strong experience with object‑oriented programming in Python
• Experience with high‑performance computing, including writing and running optimized and parallelized code on supercomputers and computing clusters
• Experience with software engineering best practices: testing, continuous integration, version control, documentation, and code review
• Familiarity with quantum computation theory, including quantum error correction under various noise models, codes, and decoders
• Familiarity with the optical platform for quantum computation, especially bosonic codes such as GKP states and the continuous‑variable formalism
• Great communication skills, and the ability to clearly express complex technical concepts

Preferred qualifications and experience

• Up‑to‑date knowledge of the latest developments in quantum computing and error‑correction
• Some knowledge of measurement‑based quantum computation
• Some experience programming in low‑level languages (e.g., C, C++)
• Familiarity with and experience working in a fast‑growing technology start‑up environment
• PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering is an asset

Our values are important. They are fundamental and lay the foundation for culture at Xanadu. Learn more about our values here.

At Xanadu, we are committed to building an inclusive, safe, and equitable culture and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. We are committed to meeting the needs of all individuals and support a barrier‑free workplace. Should you require accommodations at any point during the recruitment process please contact Recruiting at [e-mail].

Note: Xanadu will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to [e-mail].