Scientific Software Engineer - Compiler

QuEra Computing Inc.; Harwell; On-site; GBP 76,698 - 124,635; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in the UK is seeking a creative Scientific Software Engineer. You will develop state-of-the-art simulation tools and compilers for quantum computing, collaborating with a team of experts. The role involves designing novel programming languages and integrating existing simulation tools. A Ph.D. in Computer Science is required, along with experience in Python and compiled languages. The base salary ranges from $102,400 to $166,400, with equity grants offered.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science focusing on quantum computation or equivalent experience.
• Experience in building software tools for scientists.
• Knowledge of the full software development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain intermediate representations-based compiler infrastructure.
• Design novel domain-specific languages.
• Integrate existing simulation tools with the compiler pipeline.

Skills

Experience with Python semantics

Experience with compiled languages like C++

Knowledge of quantum computing basics

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Tools

LLVM

MLIR

Job description

Summary

QuEra Computing, Inc. seeks a creative and collaborative Scientific Software Engineer to help solve the unique software challenges of developing state-of-the-art simulation tools and compilers for QuEra’s neutral-atom quantum computers. You will have the opportunity to work with a vibrant scientific software team and a community of industry and academic collaborators and to help our growing team of diverse experts address fascinating challenges, ranging from classical compiler techniques to modern methods for quantum simulation. You will be building QuEra’s compiler pipeline together with experimental & computational physicists from low-level hardware instructions to high-level programming languages using our internal toolchain. This involves development of new compiler infrastructure and new programming language design and implementation. You will be co‑designing compilers with cutting edge neutral‑atom hardware and quantum error correction technology. This new direction involves multiple new challenges in both engineering and science.

Responsibilities

• Development and maintain QuEra’s Static Single Assignment intermediate representations‑based compiler infrastructure and compiler components at various abstractions used by our hardware engineers and scientists.
• Design novel domain specific languages specific to our hardware as well as Bloqade SDK together with the team.
• Integrate existing simulation tools with the compiler pipeline and cloud service.
• Communicate and collaborate with QuEra scientists and external customers to meet their use case requirements.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science with focus on quantum computation/architecture/programming language/compiler, or equivalent professional experience.
• Enthusiastic in building software tools for scientists especially physicists.
• Experience with Python semantics, Python type hints, CPython interpreter.
• Experience with at least one of the compiled languages and experienced with their type system, e.g C++, Julia, Rust, Haskell, OCaml, etc.
• Experience with Static Single Assignment intermediate representations‑based compiler development.
• Knowledge of the full lifecycle of software development, including version control, code review, testing, CI/CD, logging, profiling, debugging, and documentation.
• Knowledge of quantum computing basics, e.g., common quantum algorithms, quantum information theory basics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with using LLVM or MLIR for compiler development, or experience with an existing compiler development.
• Programming language design, especially programming language theory.
• Quantum program optimization, e.g quantum circuit simplification, scheduling, routing, etc.
• Quantum error correction.
• Contribution to existing open-source libraries.
• Experience with existing circuit simulation tools, e.g., cirq, qiskit, CUDA Quantum, etc.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $102,400 - $166,400.

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly. We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience. In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.