Quantum Architecture Research Software Lead

Xanadu; Canada; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quantum computing company in Canada is seeking a candidate to lead the development of software simulation tools focused on optimizing Xanadu's logical architecture. The successful applicant will possess an MSc or PhD in a relevant field and several years of experience in software tools for quantum error correction. Strong Python programming skills, project management experience, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts are essential. The company promotes an inclusive and equitable workplace.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in related fields with software tools for quantum error correction (QEC).
• Experience leading teams and managing projects.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the vision and development of software simulation tools for prototype and optimization.
• Manage project coordinators, research software developers, and software engineers.
• Interface with researchers across Quantum Architecture and other teams.

Skills

Python programming

Object-oriented programming

High-performance computing

Software engineering best practices

Project coordination

Communication skills

Education

MSc or PhD in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field

Tools

Supercomputers

Version control systems

Job description

Your role and responsibilities:

In this role, you will lead the vision and development of the suite of software simulation tools for prototyping, optimizing, and benchmarking Xanadu’s logical architecture. Improvements to the scalability and performance of the architecture can enter anywhere in the stack, requiring a broad understanding of Xanadu’s architecture and its iterations, with a focus on the logical (quantum error‑correction) layers. The suite of tools, which augments the existing fault‑tolerant software stack, facilitates the design of the architecture under flexible choices of logical circuits, computational units, logical layouts, protocols, codes, decoders, and MBQC channels. It allows for simulating the architecture in the demanding regimes of large system sizes and low error rates under relevant sources of noise. The role will require leveraging existing tooling and kicking off new projects; managing project coordinators, research software developers, and software engineers; and interfacing with researchers across Quantum Architecture and other teams in Xanadu.

Basic qualifications and experience:

• MSc or PhD in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Several years of research or industry experience in related fields, with demonstrated experience developing and using software tools for QEC.
• Experience with coordinating projects or leading teams.
• Strong experience with Python and object‑oriented programming.
• 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.
• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Great communication skills, and the ability to clearly express complex technical concepts.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• PhD, postdoctoral or industry experience in quantum physics or technology.
• Good awareness of the lay of the land of public QEC tooling.
• Some experience programming in low‑level languages (e.g., C, C++).
• Familiarity with measurement‑based quantum computation and with optical platforms for quantum computation, including the GKP code and continuous‑variable formalism.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. 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].