Software Engineer (Compilers)

Universal Quantum; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity options

Unlimited holiday allowance

Flexible working options

10% matching pension

Private health/dental insurance

Relocation support

Job summary

Universal Quantum is seeking a Software Engineer to design, develop, and test software that operates our quantum computing hardware. You will join a multidisciplinary team and help build and optimize components across our software stack, shaping the future of quantum processors.

The role emphasizes collaboration, rigorous coding standards, and the ability to work in a fast-paced startup setting while delivering high-integrity software for cutting-edge machines.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing, developing, debugging, testing, maintaining, and profiling software using Rust, C, and C++.
• Experience in compiler development.
• Experience with algorithm development, verification and optimisation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test software to operate quantum computing hardware.
• Benchmark, profile and optimise Quantum Computing software and processes.
• Lead development of components within our software stack.
• Collaborate with engineers, physicists, hardware designers and software developers.
• Evaluate and document systems you help design and maintain.

Skills

Rust/C/C++

Software design & debugging

Git & code reviews

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in CS or related

Tools

LLVM/GCC toolchain

Compiler development experience

Job description

At Universal Quantum, we aim to make the world a better place by engineering the future of computing. Together, we are creating truly impactful quantum computers. Our machines will be capable of solving problems until now considered impossible, with applications ranging across a broad range of industries, including healthcare, materials and aerospace. We are seeking to hire a Software Engineer to develop software to operate our quantum processors. Passionate about helping create technologies which can change the world? We may be the right place for you, so get in touch!

What You’ll Accomplish:

• Design, develop, integrate, and test software to operate quantum computing hardware
• Work on use cases, analyse issues, investigate, create and communicate solutions, and lead development of components within our software stack
• Benchmark, profile and optimise Quantum Computing processes, algorithms and software
• Work with a multidisciplinary team of electronic engineers, physicists, hardware designers and software developers
• Evaluate and document the systems you help design, build, and maintain
• Take responsibility of major features within the Quantum Computing Software Stack

Requirements

The 3 Most Critical Attributes We’ll Use to Compare Candidates:

1. Solid programming experience in Rust, C, or C++
2. Experience in designing, developing, debugging, testing, maintaining, and profiling commercial-quality software
3. Collaborative team player with good communication skills

Must-have Skills:

• 5+ years of experience designing, developing, debugging, testing, maintaining, and profiling software using Rust, C, and C++
• Experience in compiler development
• Experience with algorithm development, verification and optimisation
• Hands‑on experience with a toolchain codebase, such as LLVM, GCC, or other open‑source/commercial compiler and toolchain, or framework
• Writing readable, high-integrity, efficient, and well-documented code
• Familiarity with Git and experience with collaborative design and development, and code reviews
• Pragmatic approach to decision-making and design choices
• Previous experience in start‑ups or dynamic work environments

Nice-to-have Skills:

• Experience with Python
• Experience with databases (SQL, time series)
• Knowledge of Quantum Computing concepts
• Experience with Qiskit
• Bachelor’s/master’s degree in computer science, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline

Please feel encouraged to apply even if you don’t match all the requirements of our job description. We would love to receive your application even if you think you’re only a partial match.

Benefits

Competitive salary, equity options, unlimited holiday allowance, flexible working options, 10% matching pension, generous parental support policy, private health/dental insurance, and relocation support.

We are committed to nurturing diversity and inclusion

At Universal Quantum, we’re passionate about working with and for all kinds of minds. As a proud signatory of the Tech Talent Charter (TTC), we have made a number of formal commitments to help to hold ourselves accountable to both our team and peers. This includes pledging to collaborate and share best practices with others, to continuously develop plans to drive inclusion across our business, and to collect and share our diversity data annually. We welcome team members from all backgrounds, and work to create an environment where everyone can flourish freely.