Quantum Software Engineer (Calibration Team)

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC); Reading; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) is building software to advance quantum hardware, turning academic ideas into commercial reality. In this role you will join calibration teams and create core components of the quantum calibration stack, collaborating with engineers and researchers to bring-up systems, run daily calibration, and drive performance improvements.

Candidates should have strong Python, CS fundamentals, and experience delivering production-ready software.

Qualifications

• Strong Python programming experience and familiarity with modern software engineering practices.
• Solid computer science fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures, and systems design.
• Experience designing and delivering complex software systems from concept to production.
• Ability to debug complex systems and take ownership of production-quality code.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of quantum computing principles, especially benchmarking, calibration, verification, or validation; and/or experience in data science, data engineering, or machine learning applied to areas such as reinforcement learning, digital twins, or black-box optimisation.

Responsibilities

• Own quantum software projects end to end, from requirements through to deployment.
• Design and build components for system bring-up, daily calibration, and benchmarking workflows.
• Use data to create novel procedures and inform calibration workflow decisions.
• Debug and resolve issues across development and production environments.
• Collaborate through pair programming, code reviews, and shared technical problem-solving.
• Build scalable software solutions that help engineers conduct research and operate quantum systems reliably.
• Contribute to research, innovation, and knowledge sharing across OQC and the wider quantum community.

Skills

Python programming

Algorithms & data structures

Software design

Production-grade code

Communication skills

Quantum computing basics

Education

Degree in Physics, Computer Science, or related numerical discipline

Job description

At OQC, we aren't just theorising about the future; we're building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we've successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we're just getting started and we've recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round - the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe.

The Purpose

Your mission is to advance the performance and reliability of quantum systems by building software that enables efficient calibration and benchmarking. You'll help turn complex quantum workflows into scalable, production-quality tools that keep our quantum computers running at their best.

The Role

You'll work at the intersection of quantum physics, software engineering, and data-driven optimisation. As part of our calibration teams, you'll build core components of OQC's quantum calibration stack, collaborating closely with engineers and researchers to design, develop, and deploy software that supports system bring‑up, daily calibration, and ongoing performance improvement.

What You'll Be Working On

• Own quantum software projects end to end, from requirements through to deployment
• Design and build components for system bring‑up, daily calibration, and benchmarking workflows
• Use data to create novel procedures and inform calibration workflow decisions
• Debug and resolve issues across development and production environments
• Collaborate through pair programming, code reviews, and shared technical problem‑solving
• Build scalable software solutions that help engineers conduct research and operate quantum systems reliably
• Contribute to research, innovation, and knowledge sharing across OQC and the wider quantum community

What We're Looking For

• Strong Python programming experience and familiarity with modern software engineering practices
• Solid computer science fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures, and systems design
• Experience designing and delivering complex software systems from concept to production
• Ability to debug complex systems and take ownership of production‑quality code
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Degree‑level knowledge in physics, computer science, or a related numerical discipline
• Knowledge of quantum computing principles, especially benchmarking, calibration, verification, or validation; and/or experience in data science, data engineering, or machine learning applied to areas such as reinforcement learning, digital twins, or black‑box optimisation

Nice‑to‑Haves

• Hands‑on experience working with quantum computers or quantum software stacks
• Experience developing algorithms or protocols for quantum systems, particularly in benchmarking, calibration, verification, and validation
• Background in quantum theory
• Experience with distributed systems, message brokers, or data streaming tools
• Contributions to research, publications, or conference presentations in quantum technologies
• Postgraduate qualification, such as an MSc or PhD, in a relevant field

Why Join OQC?

You will join a world‑class team at the forefront of the next computational era. We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation.

Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here: https://oqc.tech/company/careers-at-oqc/