Quantum Network Software engineer/Senior Quantum Network Software engineer

National Physical Laboratory; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Physical Laboratory in the UK seeks an experienced Network Engineer/Senior Network Software Engineer to help build the UK’s next generation quantum internet. You will design and implement the software controlling the quantum network testbed, integrating with classical networks and cloud infrastructure, with a focus on reliability, scalability and collaboration.

As part of the Quantum Technology department, you will lead cross‑disciplinary teams, develop control software, and engage

Qualifications

• Strong software engineering experience.
• Experience and a proven track record in developing distributed systems, networking software and orchestration platforms.
• Experience with control stack architectures and internet protocols used in classical communication networks.
• Network synchronisation.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and provide technical leadership.
• A rigorous approach to problem solving and ability to develop solutions to challenging problems.
• An inquisitive mind and willingness to interact dynamically with colleagues and collaborators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and development of the software architecture for quantum network orchestration, integrated with classical networking and cloud infrastructure.
• Implementation of monitoring, control, telemetry, testing and fault‑management capabilities.
• Implementation of algorithms and software for quantum routing, entanglement distribution and resource scheduling.
• Working with quantum protocols and networking standards as they evolve.
• Contributing to the architecture of scalable, secure and interoperable quantum networking platforms.
• Collaborating with multi‑disciplinary teams within NPL.
• Engagement with other quantum networks locally and internationally to evaluate different approaches to implementing network control software.
• Ensuring visibility of NPL’s scientific activities in internal and external fora, e.g. via technical publications and presentations.

Skills

Software engineering

Distributed systems

Networking software

Orchestration platforms

Control stack architectures

Internet protocols

Team leadership

Problem solving

Communication skills

Tools

Python

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Job description

About the Role

Quantum Network Software engineer/Senior Quantum Network Software engineer

Help Build the UK’s Next ‑ Generation Quantum Internet

Join the team shaping the next‑generation quantum internet. We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to join the Quantum Technology department. You will build the software infrastructure for the NPL quantum network testbed that will help shape the next era of secure quantum communications.

This permanent position offers the opportunity to work with state‑of‑the‑art systems and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams leading innovation across the global quantum ecosystem.

The focus of this position will be to provide technical expertise, vision and leadership for designing, implementing, and maintaining the control software for a secure and resilient testbed that evolves with the technology landscape and industry requirements.

You will work at the intersection between quantum communications, computing, distributed systems and classical networking, developing the software that enables quantum nodes and communication links to operate as a coordinated network.

Key responsibilities (depending on experience)

• Design and development of the software architecture for quantum network orchestration, integrated with classical networking and cloud infrastructure.
• Implementation of monitoring, control, telemetry, testing and fault‑management capabilities.
• Implementation of algorithms and software for quantum routing, entanglement distribution and resource scheduling.
• Working with quantum protocols and networking standards as they evolve.
• Contributing to the architecture of scalable, secure and interoperable quantum networking platforms.
• Collaborating with multi‑disciplinary teams within NPL.
• Engagement with other quantum networks locally and internationally to evaluate different approaches to implementing network control software.
• Ensuring visibility of NPL’s scientific activities in internal and external fora, e.g. via technical publications and presentations.
• Working inclusively and collaboratively to develop partnership opportunities.
• Representing NPL to promote our work and raise our profile.

About You

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong software engineering experience.
• Experience and a proven track record in developing distributed systems, networking software and orchestration platforms.
• Experience with control stack architectures and internet protocols used in classical communication networks, and the languages and hardware used to implement them.
• Network synchronisation.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and provide technical leadership.
• A rigorous approach to problem solving and ability to develop solutions to challenging problems.
• An inquisitive mind and willingness to interact dynamically with colleagues and collaborators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Advantageous

• Experience in network segmentation.
• Familiarity with Python, Matlab, Labview.
• Familiarity with quantum information concepts.
• Familiarity with quantum networks.
• Control of quantum networks.
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

The role is full time on‑site, based at Teddington.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world‑leading centre of excellence that provides cutting‑edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well‑being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work‑life balance, along with a broad range of benefits. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success.

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.