Director of Open-Source Software Cambridge, UK

Riverlane Ltd; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus plan

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

Contributory pension scheme

Equity

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Enhanced family leave

Training and conference budgets

Job summary

Riverlane Ltd in Cambridge is seeking a leader for its open-source initiatives, focusing on Deltakit, the open SDK. This role requires proven experience in managing impactful open-source projects and excellent software skills in Python and C++. You will drive the development of analysis tools and simulators, working closely with internal teams and the broader developer community.

The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in Computer Science, a strong understanding of quantum computing, and significant leadership experience. Riverlane offers a comprehensive benefits package and a diverse work environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading large open‑source projects.
• Excellent software skills in Python and C++.
• Track record of working with developer ecosystems.
• Team leadership experience.
• Good understanding of Quantum Computing.

Responsibilities

• Drive the open-source efforts of Deltakit, the open SDK.
• Develop analysis tools, simulators, and visualizers.
• Set priorities in collaboration with the product team.
• Interface with the internal developer community.

Skills

Python

C++

Compilers

Quantum Simulators

Analysis tools

Programming Languages

Team leadership

Quantum Computing knowledge

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related discipline

Job description

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

About us

Riverlane’smission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science, to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry’s defining technical challenge, such breakthroughs can never be achieved. Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.

Having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our cutting‑edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), Riverlane partners with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault‑tolerant quantum computing a reality. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast.

About the role

Riverlane’s overarching mission is making quantum computing useful sooner. To achieve this goal we need to provide future developers with tools and frameworks that enable great science. As a for‑profit company, open‑source is an investment in our future: we want to grow the quantum community, help them learn this nascent technology and evolve it together. In this role, you will set our direction in this space, driving our open‑source efforts, identifying the components that can be used by the community, building them either from zero or by adapting our internal toolboxes and finally disseminating their value.

What you will do

You will be responsible for Deltakit, our open SDK, driving the teams that develop analysis tools, simulators, visualizers and core components. You will use your technical expertise to set priorities and directions in collaboration with our product team and in line with our business model, effectively shaping and building our products. You will interface with the internal developer community to understand and support them, as well as the global community. Finally, you will identify opportunities to amplify internal efforts and build software that is widely accessible to the global ecosystem.

What we need

• Proven experience in leading large open‑source projects with real impact and sufficient technical or scientific complexity
• Excellent software skills in Python, C++
• Understanding of one or more of the following areas:
• Compilers
• Simulators (ideally Quantum Simulators)
• Analysis tools
• Programming Languages
• Track record of working with developer ecosystems, ideally with experience as maintainer
• Team leadership experience
• Member of open‑source groups
• Good understanding of Quantum Computing
• PhD in Computer Science or a related discipline from a top University
• Organiser of open‑source groups

What can you expect from us

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, and a contributory pension scheme
• Equity, so that our team can share in the long‑term success of Riverlane
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave
• A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 20 different nationalities
• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and development, including a regular programme of learning events and training and conference budgets

Equal opportunities and EEO statement

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity.

Women and other underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a role unless they meet all or nearly all of the requirements. If this applies to you, we still encourage you to apply – you may be a great fit, even if you don’t meet every single qualification. We’d love to hear from you.

If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help.

GDPR notice

Riverlane collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details.