Software Engineer - Compiler & Runtime

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC); Reading; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) is seeking a Software Engineer for the Compiler and Runtime team to turn quantum computing into production-ready software. You’ll own features end-to-end, from requirements and design to implementation, testing and delivery, while tackling complex debugging and maintaining legacy code.

You’ll work closely with engineers and researchers to deploy new algorithms and improve code quality, performance, and reliability across production environments.

Qualifications

• Strong Python and/or C++ programming skills.
• Experience in compiler development.
• Experience taking software projects or significant features through the full development lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of core CS principles, including algorithms, data structures, software architecture and operating systems.
• Experience debugging technically complex issues in development and/or production environments.
• Ability to understand existing codebases and contribute effectively to both new development and legacy software.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on software quality, maintainability and performance.
• Ability to communicate technical decisions and trade-offs clearly and collaborate with engineers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop new features across the compiler and runtime software to support production use of quantum computers.
• Collaborate with the research team to bring new algorithms to production.
• Own development work from requirements and design through implementation, testing and delivery.
• Debug complex issues across development and production environments, driving solutions to resolution.
• Evolve and maintain existing code, balancing new features with legacy work.
• Review and test code, mentor engineers, and share knowledge across the team.

Skills

Python/C++ programming

Compiler development

Full lifecycle software

CS fundamentals

Debugging complex issues

Legacy code maintenance

Communication of technical decisions

LLVM/toolchains familiarity

QASM familiarity

Tools

LLVM

QASM

Job description

At OQC, we aren't just theorising about the future; we're building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we've successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we're just getting started and we've recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round - the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe.

The Purpose

As a Software Engineer in our Compiler and Runtime team, you'll build the software that helps turn quantum computing into a production reality. You'll primarily develop new compiler and runtime features, using Python, C++, LLVM and related toolchains, while also evolving and improving our existing codebase.

Your work will directly contribute to how OQC's quantum computers are developed, operated and used.

The Role

You’ll join the Compiler and Runtime team and take ownership of software development across the full lifecycle - from understanding requirements and designing solutions through to implementation, testing and delivery.

This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who enjoys solving technically challenging problems. You'll spend most of your time developing new functionality, alongside targeted work on legacy code, debugging complex issues and continuously improving the quality and maintainability of our software.

You’ll collaborate closely with other engineers and internal stakeholders, contribute to technical decisions, and share your expertise to raise engineering capability across the team.

What You'll Be Working On

• Develop new features and capabilities across OQC's compiler and runtime software to solve complex problems in the production and operation of quantum computers.
• Work with our research team to bring new algorithms to production.
• Own assigned development work from requirements and technical design through implementation, testing and delivery.
• Debug complex issues across development and production environments, driving problems through to resolution.
• Evolve, maintain and improve existing code, balancing new feature development with targeted brownfield and legacy work.
• Design and evaluate technical approaches, clearly articulating trade-offs around performance, complexity, maintainability and engineering effort.
• Review and robustly test code, pair with other engineers, and share technical knowledge through mentoring, technical discussions and practical collaboration.

What We're Looking For

• Strong Python and/or C++ programming skills.
• Experience in compiler development.
• Experience taking software projects or significant features through the full development lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of core computer science principles, including algorithms, data structures, software architecture and operating systems.
• Experience debugging technically complex issues in development and/or production environments.
• Ability to understand existing codebases and contribute effectively to both new development and legacy software.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on software quality, maintainability and performance.
• Ability to communicate technical decisions and trade-offs clearly and collaborate effectively with engineers and wider stakeholders.

The 'Nice-to-Haves'

• Hands-on experience with LLVM or similar compiler/toolchain technologies.
• Experience working with QASM
• Experience working outside your core software specialism when required.
• Experience working within a Quantum computing environment

Why Join OQC

You will join a world-class team at the forefront of the next computational era. We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation.

Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here: https://oqc.tech/company/careers-at-oqc/