Instrumentation Software Engineer

Infleqtion; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global quantum technology company in the UK seeks an Instrumentation Software Engineer to develop software and firmware interfaces for advanced atomic technologies. The role involves collaboration with physicists and engineers to create precise control systems, utilizing Python, C, and Rust. Ideal candidates should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience in hardware control. This position offers competitive salary, unlimited PTO, and the option to work up to 2 days from home.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Unlimited PTO

10% pension contribution

Cycle to work scheme

Tax efficient technology schemes

Incentive Stock Option Plan

BUPA Private Healthcare Insurance

Qualifications

• Several years of industry or relevant experience in developing software in high-level programming languages.
• Experience in developing software for controlling hardware.
• Understanding of hardware and software interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Develop interfaces to third party hardware and APIs in Python.
• Test software and hardware stacks using benchtop instruments.
• Collaborate effectively with team members to ensure deadlines are met.

Skills

Python programming

Collaborative teamwork

Problem-solving

Good verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or related discipline

Tools

C

Rust

Git

Python virtual environments

Job description

Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world’s most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables “quantum everywhere” through our ecosystem of devices and platforms.

LOCATION

Infleqtion has offices in the USA, United Kingdom and Australia. This is a permanent, full-time position at our Kidlington, Oxford office. Our flexible working policy enables all full-time employees to work from home up to 2 days a week, if work permits.

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of our strategy for growth in the UK, we are expanding our Engineering Team and recruiting an Instrumentation Software Engineer. In this role you will develop software and firmware interfaces to control and monitor optical and atomic physics systems for the development of next generation atomic clocks and PNT systems. These systems offer orders of magnitude improvements in sensing and accuracy compared to current technologies.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Responsibilities

• Develop interfaces to third party hardware and APIs in Python
• Control measurement devices and lab instruments using Python, C, and other programming languages
• Integrate disparate hardware elements into cohesive systems
• Test software and hardware stacks using benchtop instruments and larger deployed systems
• Identify and resolve software bugs and performance issues
• Work with colleagues to define and implement validation tests
• Follow best practices to produce high‑quality, reliable, and maintainable code
• Produce clear and concise inline comments and user documentation

Personal and Team Responsibilities

• Collaborate effectively with team members to ensure deadlines are met
• Work within multi‑disciplinary teams including physicists, engineers, and technicians to develop solutions
• Adapt to changing circumstances and manage ambiguity effectively
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in engineering, science, or a related discipline
• Several years of industry or relevant experience in developing software in high‑level programming languages such as Python, C, Rust
• Proficient in Python programming
• Experience in developing software for controlling hardware
• Understanding of hardware and software interfaces, including timing requirements
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills with experience of testing and investigating software/hardware issues
• Proficient using version control workflows such as Git
• Good verbal and written communication skills, able to effectively share information with technical and non‑technical staff, both in writing and orally
• Demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a highly collaborative, cross‑functional, team‑oriented, and matrixed environment

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in developing software for controlling hardware, using low‑level communications schemes, such as SPI, I2C and UART.
• Experience in developing software/firmware for microcontrollers.
• Experience in implementing control loops in software or firmware for real‑time control of hardware
• Experience in full software development lifecycle with use of automated tools for documentation generation, unit testing, CL/CI and deployment.
• Experience with Python virtual environments
• Experience using and interfacing with benchtop test equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, etc.

TRAVEL

Up to 10% travel, including international travel, may be required

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment. Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in‑person). Will involve sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying up to 10 kg.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Regardless of your interest in the quantum industry, you can take pride in the fact that Infleqtion is building an ecosystem of quantum technologies and commercial products, driving the industry towards the future. Studies reveal that while men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women and other groups tend to apply only when they meet all the criteria. If you believe you have the potential but don't meet every single point in our job advertisement, please don't hesitate to contact us! We would love to chat with you and see how you could bring great value to our team. Our goal is to find exceptional individuals who can enrich our team culture, actively contribute, and have a genuine passion for their work. Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin colour, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued, welcomed, and appreciated here. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

• Competitive salary
• Unlimited PTO
• Generous company 10% pension contribution regardless of employee contribution
• Cycle to work scheme
• Tax efficient technology schemes
• Incentive Stock Option Plan
• BUPA Private Healthcare Insurance once probationary period is successfully completed