Software Engineer

Nu Quantum; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Private Medical and Dental Cover

On‑site gym

Cycle scheme

28 days annual leave

Sabbatical after 4 years

Employee referral scheme

Cashback or perks scheme

Job summary

Nu Quantum in Cambridge is seeking a Software Engineer to help build the tools our scientists rely on to develop, test, and enhance quantum networking solutions.

You'll join the Software team delivering lab software, control and user interfaces for prototype products, including firmware for embedded systems and automation of experiments, working in an agile environment.

Qualifications

• Experience developing with compiled languages such as Rust or C++.
• Knowledge of embedded systems and microcontrollers/SOCs/FPGA soft cores.
• Proficiency with Python and scripting.
• Experience with source control, CI, testing and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing.
• Strong communication and ability to work in cross‑functional teams.
• Nice‑to‑have: Rust, UI with Dart/Flutter, Yocto, FPGA experience, gRPC, Agile.

Responsibilities

• Develop software to interface with optics, electronics and lab equipment.
• Collaborate with FPGA and electronics specialists to enable control systems.
• Create user interfaces for product demonstrators and measurement control.
• Propose improvements to workflows and system design.
• Write high‑quality, testable, maintainable code.

Skills

Rust

C++

Embedded systems

Python

Version control

CI / testing

Teamwork

Tools

Yocto

FPGA

gRPC

Job description

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Cambridge, UK

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We’re creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems.

We’re working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world‐leading companies and academic groups.

About The Role

As a Software Engineer at Nu Quantum, you will be responsible for helping to create the tools that our Scientists require to develop, test, build and enhance our quantum networking solutions. You will be part of the Software team, who develop software for internal lab use, as well as the control and user interfaces for our prototype products. This includes firmware to run on embedded systems, the development of graphical user interfaces and automation of scientific experiments.

You will work closely in an agile software team dedicated to high quality delivery. We work closely with our Scientists and Engineers to define requirements, maintain and test software solutions.

Responsibilities - What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop software to interface with proprietary optics, electronics and mechanical hardware, and third‑party scientific equipment.
• Work alongside FPGA and electronics system integration specialists to enable state‑of‑the‑art quantum network control systems.
• Develop user interfaces for streamlining product demonstrators and measurement control.
• Make proactive, creative recommendations in all aspects of work, including improving our workflows and system design.
• Create high‑quality, testable and maintainable code.

Requirements

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Experience developing with a compiled language e.g. Rust, C++
• Knowledge of embedded systems such as microcontrollers. SOCs or FPGA soft cores
• Proficiency with a scripting language, such as Python
• Experienced with standard development practices, such as source control, continuous integration, unit testing, integration and hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing
• Strong communication skills and an ability to work well in a team and cross‑functionally, with a diverse range of people and disciplines

Desirable (nice to have, but not required)

• Strong Rust skills
• Experience with creating UIs, particularly using Dart and Flutter
• Hands‑on experience of working with FPGAs and / or microcontrollers
• Experience creating Linux‑based systems using Yocto
• Familiarity with application programming interface principles, such as protocols for implementing remote procedure calls, especially gRPC
• Experience working with Agile or Agile‑inspired methodologies

Why work with us?

At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.

Benefits

• Flexible working options
• Group DIS cover (4 × salary)
• 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• On‑site gym membership
• Cycle scheme
• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office
• 28 days annual leave, including a 3‑day company shutdown period + Public Holidays in England and Wales
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Enhanced paid family leave policies
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens