Research Software Engineer - Quantum Software

Quantinuum Ltd.; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading quantum software team as a Research Software Engineer in Cambridge. This role involves designing the Guppy quantum programming language and optimizing quantum compilers, with opportunities to collaborate closely in a dynamic environment. A competitive package and enhanced benefits await the right candidate.

Benefits

28 days paid holiday plus public holidays

Equity options

Flexible working approach

Enhanced parental and adoption benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in Python or Rust and software development.
• Familiarity with compiler concepts and programming languages.
• Ability to implement ideas from research materials.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and contribute to a Python-based compiler codebase.
• Design novel features for quantum programming languages.
• Develop optimization methods for quantum programs.

Skills

Software development

Programming in Python

Broad knowledge of programming languages

Collaborative work

Clean code writing

Quantum computing knowledge

Education

2:1 degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering

Tools

LLVM

MLIR

Job description

Quantinuum are seeking a Research Software Engineer to join our growing Quantum Software team in Cambridge, UK. In this role, you will help shape the design and implementation of the Guppy quantum programming language and contribute to the next generation of the TKET quantum compiler. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of software development, compiler design, and quantum computing research.

You will collaborate closely with a small, dynamic team throughout the full development lifecycle — from research and design to programming and testing — with the freedom to think independently and make a real impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and contribute to a Python-based compiler codebase.
• Design and implement novel features for quantum programming languages.
• Develop and apply optimization methods for quantum programs.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across research and engineering teams.

Key Requirements

• Software development experience, preferably in Python or Rust.
• Broad knowledge of programming languages, paradigms, and compiler concepts.
• Ability to work collaboratively, communicate technical ideas clearly, and write clean, maintainable code.
• Familiarity with collaboration tools (e.g., version control, issue tracking) and development tools (e.g., debugger, profiler, testing frameworks).
• A 2:1 or higher degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Ability to read and implement ideas from technical research materials.
• Knowledge of quantum computing, quantum algorithms, or programming quantum systems is advantageous.

Desirable Skills

• Experience designing programming languages or domain-specific languages.
• Familiarity with formal methods, type theory, or program verification tools.
• Background in large software system architecture and design.
• Experience with compiler frameworks such as LLVM or MLIR.

What is in it for you?

Working alongside a highly talented team, with leading names in the quantum computing industry. We offer a highly competitive package, equity, 28 days of paid holiday (in addition to public holidays), a workplace pension, a positive approach to flexible working and enhanced parental and adoption benefits.

About Us:

Science Led, Enterprise Driven – Accelerating Quantum Computing

Quantinuum isthe world’s largest integrated quantum company, pioneering powerful quantum computers and advanced software solutions. Quantinuum’s technology drives breakthroughs in materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next-gen quantum AI. With approximately 500 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, Quantinuum leads the quantum computing revolution across continents.

Quantinuum recently secured $300m in funding, visit our news pages to learn more about this and other Quantinuum scientific breakthroughs and achievements:https://www.quantinuum.com/news

Please note that employment with us is subject to successfully passing our pre-employment screening checks. We are an inclusive equal opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.