Software Engineering Manager

Oxford Ionics; Oxford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in quantum technology is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a growing team of engineers. The role involves managing software development for quantum systems, ensuring high-quality delivery, and fostering team growth. Candidates should have strong leadership skills and a background in software development. The company offers competitive benefits, including stock options and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Business Stock Options

30 Days Paid Annual Leave

Flexible Working

Private Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Qualifications

• Experience managing software teams at scale.
• Strong delivery leadership, able to prioritise and track feature development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the software team and manage long-term roadmaps for software projects.
• Ensure team effectiveness and support members' career development.
• Define and evolve team processes and release strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Software Development

Project Management

Tools

Python

Rust

Job description

The future is quantum. Oxford Ionics is at the forefront of pioneering quantum computing, delivering world-leading innovation to create the most powerful, accurate, and reliable quantum systems. Quantum computing offers a radically new way of building computers that harnesses the power of quantum physics to outperform conventional supercomputers exponentially. Using our unique trapped-ion technology, we are leading the race to unleash quantum computing's unparalleled potential.

What to expect:

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and highly technical Software Engineering Manager who will thrive in our dynamic cross-disciplinary environment. You’d be working closely with our skilled software engineers and our world-leading quantum scientists to plan and manage the development of software that powers our quantum computers.

You will initially be leading a software team of around ten engineers which we are growing significantly. We develop a full stack solution ranging from the real-time control & monitoring of our systems through an IR and quantum compiler layer to application demonstration. Your role will be critical in both specifying the stack as components that can be individually developed and released, and growing the team into a world-class organisation capable of developing and supporting the stack for internal and external customers. A critical part of this will be to establish and drive suitable development, devops, release, and 3rd line support processes.

The quantum core of our hardware is built from trapped-ion qubits, controlled by devices designed and made by a partner tier 1 fab. We control the ions using electrical signals and laser light, driven by real-time FPGA systems and networked equipment. The required sequences and operations are derived both by low-level experiments that our science teams produce, and by a compilation flow from quantum algorithms. Our software stack is a combination of Python and Rust.

We are looking for an experienced software manager ready to take ownership of the full stack - previous exposure to quantum systems is not required.

What you’ll be responsible for:

Product management

• Lead the software team and work with other technical teams to build and maintain long-term roadmaps for our various software projects
• Capture feature requests from internal conversations and external requirements
• Understand conflicting priorities and manage the team to deliver according to company needs and timescales
• Drive detailed software solutions, working with the software team
• Provide clear updates on issues and progress to all stakeholders
• Own the software team’s backlog, working with the team members and project management group to keep it up to date
• Be the first point of call for others in the company to understand how the software fits together at a high level

Team management

• Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the software team to deliver
• Ensure that the team maintains the right balance of delivery speed and quality
• Support members of the software team
• Looking out for their well-being
• Conducting their performance reviews
• Supporting their career development
• Work with the VP of Engineering to plan future growth of the software team

Process

• Lead the definition and evolution of any team-internal processes
• Lead the definition of release and devops processes as our stack matures
• Work collaboratively with other teams to develop stronger cross-team interfaces and processes

We’re looking for a proven software leader with experience growing and managing multi-team software organisations. You’ll bring a strong technical foundation and the ability to lead subject matter experts across multiple domains, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on leadership.

This role requires someone who can set clear priorities, delegate effectively and ensure high quality delivery at pace, all while communicating clearly with internal teams and external stakeholders. You’ll need a deep understanding of modern software development practices, with the pragmatism to apply them in a high-growth, fast-moving environment.

You should have:

• Experience managing software teams at scale, with a background in areas such as embedded systems, compilers or datacentre infrastructure.
• Strong delivery leadership, able to prioritise, scope, plan and track feature development as we scale.

Oxford Ionics is leading the way in quantum technology, and we need skilled, innovative individuals like you. We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career with a world-class team, business stock options, 30 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), flexible working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family and much more. Join us and be part of the future of quantum computing.

Oxford Ionics is committed to equal opportunity for all.