Senior/Staff Research Software Engineer

Riverlane; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

Contributory pension

Equity

28 days annual leave

Job summary

Riverlane in Cambridge is seeking a Senior/Staff Research Software Engineer to develop fast, reliable software that underpins quantum error correction research. You will work with mathematicians, physicists and engineers to turn ideas into robust tooling for decoding algorithms and QEC analysis.

The role emphasizes software quality, ownership of significant technical work, and potential leadership across projects. Hybrid work environment with strong engineering impact.

Qualifications

• MSc in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent exp).
• Proficiency in C++ and Python is essential.
• Experience with collaborative programming is expected.
• Strong understanding of linear algebra, discrete math, and probabilities.
• Experience with CI/CD, containers, version control, static/dynamic analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams; eager to learn; interest in quantum computing.

Responsibilities

• Develop research ideas and prototypes into correct, maintainable, fast code.
• Deliver reliable software implementations of decoding algorithms.
• Maintain and evolve repositories and releases at high engineering level.
• Extend Riverlane's tools for quantum simulation and QEC decoding/analysis.
• Share expertise and guide development across QEC stack with teams.
• Support research directions and lead teams when needed.

Skills

C++

Python

Collaborative programming

Linear algebra

Discrete mathematics

Probabilities

CI/CD

Containers

Version control

Static analysis

Education

MSc in Mathematics, Physics, CS, or related field

Tools

GPU programming

Software engineering tools

Job description

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: £80,000 to £110,000 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, 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

Riverlane's QEC research only moves as fast as the software that supports it. Researchers working on decoding algorithms need tools they can trust: fast, correct, and built to last.

You'll sit within the Research teams, working alongside mathematicians, physicists and engineers to develop the simulation and analysis tooling that underpins their work. The quality of the software directly shapes what research is possible.

At Senior level, you'll take ownership of significant technical work and help researchers around you raise their engineering standards. At Staff level, you'll set direction across projects and may lead a small team.

This would suit someone who cares deeply about software quality and wants their work to directly shape what research is possible.

What you will do

As a Senior/Staff Research Software Engineer at Riverlane, your work will vary and will include:

• Developing research ideas and prototypes into correct, maintainable, and fast code.
• Delivering reliable and optimised software implementations of cutting-edge decoding algorithm.
• Maintaining and evolving repositories and software releases at the high engineering level.
• Extending Riverlane's software tools for quantum simulation and QEC decoding and analysis.
• Sharing expertise and collaborating with other teams at Riverlane to guide the development of various parts of the QEC stack.
• Support whole research directions and lead teams.

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
• Confidence in basics of linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and probabilities
• Experience with software engineering tools: CI/CD, containers, version control, static and dynamic code analysis
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
• A passion for learning and a 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

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.

GDPR notice: Riverlane collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details.