QPU Software Engineer

QuEra Computing; East Hendred; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology company in quantum computing is looking for a Software Engineer to develop software that coordinates and controls quantum hardware. The role requires a degree in a relevant field and strong programming skills in Python or C/C++. Responsibilities include designing systems for experiments, developing APIs, and collaborating with scientists to ensure software meets experimental needs. This position promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience developing software for hardware control, embedded systems, or distributed systems.
• Strong programming skills and experience working with hardware interfaces.
• Experience with real-time systems or hardware-in-the-loop control environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement software systems for orchestrating quantum experiments.
• Develop and maintain APIs and middleware connecting hardware control with orchestration software.
• Collaborate with system architects and physicists for testable software features.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Firmware development

System integration

Real-time systems

Education

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

Job description

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.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.