Software Engineering Runtime Manager

Oxford Ionics; Oxford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IonQ stock options

Annual performance bonus

Generous annual leave

Flexible hybrid working

Private medical and dental insurance

Job summary

Oxford Ionics, part of IonQ, is building the next generation of quantum computing in the United Kingdom. We seek a Software Manager to lead the Runtime team, guiding software that powers our quantum computer stack.

You will work with engineers, scientists, and cross-disciplinary teams to deliver reliable, scalable software on a hybrid work model. Role emphasizes backlogs, feature scoping, release planning, and collaboration with hardware and FPGA systems.

Qualifications

• Must have experience leading a software team and delivering results.
• Experience with Linux-based systems and hardware interfacing.
• Ability to manage team backlog, prioritise work, and coordinate with project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Runtime software team (approx. 5 engineers).
• Own the team backlog and coordinate with PM to keep plans up to date.
• Capture feature requests, scope, estimate, and plan releases.
• Conduct performance reviews and support career development.

Skills

Linux systems

Hardware interfacing

Team leadership

Backlog management

Communication

Rust

FPGAs

Project planning

Education

Bachelors in CS/EE

Tools

FPGA toolchain

USB

PCIe

Ethernet

Windows

Job description

Quantum is now, and it's built here. Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world-leading trapped-ion technology, we’re building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today’s supercomputers cannot solve. Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology - faster, at scale, and with real world impact.

What to expect:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly technical Software Manager to join Oxford Ionics to lead our Runtime team. You will 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. This is an exciting new position for someone who will thrive in our dynamic cross-disciplinary environment. You will initially be leading a software team of around five engineers building one or more components of our quantum computer stack.

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. The Runtime team plays a central role in managing all of these hardware components and is at the interface between highly complex hardware and the quantum circuits.

What you’ll be responsible for:

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for leading and managing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Runtime team. This will ensure the team can deliver according to company needs and timescales. This will include owning the team’s backlog and working with team members and the project management group to keep this up to date, providing clear updates on issues and detailed software solutions. You will lead the team in capturing feature requests from internal conversations and external requirements.

From a team management perspective, you will ensure the team maintains the right balance of delivery speed and quality, and remains a critical part of ensuring the company’s delivery timelines stay on track. You will support the team through conducting performance reviews, supporting their career development and ensuring their well-being. You will also work with the Director, System Software to plan the future growth of the software team.

To be successful, you will need experience working with Linux based systems and interfacing with hardware with protocols like USB, PCIe and Ethernet. We’re looking for someone who has a proven ability to lead a software team of subject matter experts, setting clear expectations and priorities, in order to contribute to the success of the wider software team.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Ability to prioritise work with a clear understanding of critical versus urgent items.
• Some experience of Rust, Windows and working with FPGAs.
• Excellent communication skills both across the organisation and with external stakeholders.
• Experience in tracking the delivery of new features, such as scoping, estimation, release planning and tacking, would be beneficial.

Be part of a team that’s shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role, you’ll join a world class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing.

We offer:

• opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders
• competitive salary with IonQ stock options
• an annual performance bonus
• generous annual leave
• flexible hybrid 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.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.