Research Software Engineer

Riverlane; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

Contributory pension

Equity

28 days annual leave

Job summary

Riverlane, based in Cambridge, is hiring a Software Engineer to build the world’s first Quantum Error Correction (QEC) stack. You will work in the Explore research team, translating new ideas into robust, high-quality software with researchers and engineers.

The role blends research concepts with production-ready code and cross-disciplinary collaboration. You will contribute to decoding algorithms, software toolchains, and production software that supports quantum simulation and QEC analysis.

Qualifications

• MSc in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Proficiency in C++ and Python is essential.
• Experience with collaborative programming.
• Experience with CI/CD, containers, version control, and static/dynamic code analysis tools.
• Strong mathematical background including linear algebra and probability is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop research ideas and prototypes into correct, maintainable, and fast code.
• Deliver reliable and optimised software implementations of cutting-edge decoding algorithms.
• Maintain and evolve repositories and software releases at a high engineering level.
• Extend Riverlane’s software tools for quantum simulation and QEC decoding and analysis.
• Share expertise and collaborate with other teams to guide development of the QEC stack.

Skills

C++

Python

Collaborative programming

Problem-solving

Education

MSc in Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science

Tools

CI/CD

Containers

Version control

Static code analysis

Dynamic code analysis

Job description

Cambridge, UK | Full‑time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: £60,000 to £75,000 DOE

The salary range for this role is broad, as we are able to consider varying levels of experience. Any offer made will carefully take into account level of experience (including relevant industry experience), transferable relevant skills and previous relevant achievements.

About Us

Riverlane’s mission 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

As a Software Engineer at Riverlane, you will help build the world’s first Quantum Error Correction (QEC) stack, a critical step towards making useful quantum computing a reality.

This role sits within Riverlane’s Explore research team, which focuses on advancing our decoding algorithms at the core of the QEC stack. These algorithms underpin both our product development and our research efforts and form a central part of how we push the field forward. The team brings together mathematicians, physicists and engineers, working closely across disciplines on challenging technical problems.

You will collaborate directly with researchers, contributing to research code, internal tools and production software. Your work will play an important role in translating new ideas into robust, high‑quality software that colleagues and customers can rely on.

What You Will Do

• Develop research ideas and prototypes into correct, maintainable, and fast code.
• Deliver reliable and optimised software implementations of cutting‑edge decoding algorithm.
• Maintain and evolve repositories and software releases at the high engineering level.
• Extend Riverlane’s software tools for quantum simulation and QEC decoding and analysis.
• Share expertise and collaborate with other teams at Riverlane to guide the development of various parts of the QEC stack.

What We Need

• MSc in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Proficiency in C++ and Python is essential
• Experience with collaborative programming
• Experience with software engineering tools: CI/CD, containers, version control, static and dynamic code analysis
• Confidence in basics of linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and probabilities
• Strong problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
• A passion for learning and curious mindset
• An interest in quantum computing
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex ideas with a variety of audiences, in a clear and simple way

Even Better If You Have…

• Experience of shipping software to users
• Experience of quantum computing
• Experience of GPU programming

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 Opportunity Employer

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.