Research Software Engineer - Quantum Software

Quantinuum; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quantum computing company is seeking a Research Software Engineer to join their Quantum Software team in Cambridge, UK. The role involves designing and implementing features for the Guppy quantum programming language and optimizing quantum programs. Candidates should have software development experience in Python or Rust and preferably knowledge of quantum computing. This position offers competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and equity.

Benefits

Highly competitive package

28 days of paid holiday

Workplace pension

Flexible working approach

Enhanced parental benefits

Qualifications

• Experience designing programming languages or domain-specific languages is desirable.
• Familiarity with formal methods, type theory, or program verification tools is a plus.
• Background in large software system architecture and design is beneficial.

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.

Skills

Software development experience, preferably in Python or Rust

Broad knowledge of programming languages, paradigms, and compiler concepts

Ability to work collaboratively and communicate technical ideas clearly

Familiarity with collaboration tools and development tools

Knowledge of quantum computing, quantum algorithms, or programming quantum systems

Education

A 2:1 or higher degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related discipline

Tools

LLVM or MLIR

Job description

Overview

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.

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.

Qualifications

• 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

Quantinuum is the world’s largest integrated quantum company, driving breakthroughs in materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next-generation quantum AI. With a team of more than 600 employees, including more than 420 scientists and engineers, we are leading the worldwide quantum computing revolution.

By uniting best-in-class software with high-fidelity hardware, our integrated full-stack approach is accelerating the path to practical quantum computing and scaling its impact across multiple industries.

As we celebrate the International Year of Quantum, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of this rapidly evolving field. By joining Quantinuum, you’ll be at the forefront of this transformative revolution, shaping the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.

Visit our news pages to learn more about Quantinuum and our scientific breakthroughs and achievements: https://www.quantinuum.com/news

Quantinuum Intro Video: The Future of Quantum Computing

Equal Opportunity

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.