Head of Quantum Software

Groove Quantum; Delft; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Hybrid work environment

30 days vacation + holidays

Equity participation

Conference travel support

Job summary

Groove Quantum in Delft is seeking a Head of Quantum Software to own end-to-end software architecture and a scalable roadmap for next‑generation quantum computers.

You will drive the operational software stack—from device control to runtimes and user interfaces—while building a high‑performing team and setting engineering standards. Hybrid work and deep collaboration with hardware teams are expected.

Qualifications

• Proven track record architecting modular, production-grade software systems.
• Strong hands-on coding ability (Python) with hardware interface knowledge.
• Experience recruiting, mentoring, and leading software teams in deep-tech environments.
• Ability to define software roadmaps and translate goals into programs.
• Familiarity with quantum computing stacks, compilers, or error correction concepts.

Responsibilities

• Define and own Groove's quantum software architecture and roadmap.
• Drive development of the operational software stack from device control to user APIs.
• Build and mentor a high-performing software team with strong engineering practices.
• Guide data infrastructure and runtime systems for real-time processing and fault tolerance.
• Translate system requirements across hardware, device physics, and software partnerships.

Skills

Software architecture

Python programming

Hardware interfaces

Runtime performance

Hiring & team leadership

Roadmap ownership

Quantum computing familiarity

Tools

Qiskit

Cirq

OpenQASM

LLVM/MLIR

Job description

The role

Define and lead the software strategy and architecture that unites all parts of our next-generation quantum computers, translating leading germanium quantum processor technology into operational, scalable systems.

Groove Quantum is building the scalable quantum computer of the future based on semiconductor germanium quantum dots. By integrating our processors into full-stack, operational quantum computers, we deliver both the hardware and software required to move quantum computing beyond the lab. As Head of Quantum Software, your main mission will be to own our end-to-end software architecture and roadmap. From device control and automated calibration to compilation, runtimes, and user interfaces, you will make foundational build-versus-buy decisions, architect scalable modular frameworks, and build the engineering team that bridges the gap between physical quantum hardware and practical applications.

Main responsibilities

• Software strategy & architecture: Define and own Groove's overall quantum software architecture, roadmap, and build-vs-buy decisions, establishing clear interfaces, abstractions, and modular design for long-term scalability.
• Full-stack software execution: Drive the development of the operational software stack spanning pulse-level control, automated tuning/calibration, compilation, runtime scheduling, and user-facing APIs.
• Team leadership & engineering standards: Build, recruit, and mentor a high-performing quantum software team while establishing rigorous software engineering best practices, CI/CD, and technical standards.
• Future-proof scaling & QEC readiness: Guide the evolution of data infrastructure and runtime systems to support quantum error correction, real-time classical processing, and fault-tolerant computing.
• Cross-functional & external collaboration: Translate system requirements across quantum hardware, device physics, semiconductor integration, and QEC teams into concrete deliverables while managing external software partnerships.

The team

You will establish and lead Groove’s Quantum Software division, with direct management responsibility for software engineers, automation specialists, and compiler/runtime developers. You will work directly alongside the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and collaborate closely with the Head of Quantum Hardware, Head of Semiconductor Technology, and the Quantum Error Correction team. This role reports directly to the CTO.

Key qualifications

We are looking for an accomplished software architect and technical leader with deep technical depth, sound engineering judgment, and the vision to build production-quality quantum software systems from the ground up.

• Software architecture & production track record: Substantial professional experience architecting, building, and delivering complex, modular, and maintainable production‑grade software systems.
• Hands‑on technical mastery: Strong hands‑on coding ability (particularly in Python), with deep knowledge of hardware interfaces, runtime performance, and system trade‑offs.
• Technical leadership & hiring: Proven experience recruiting, mentoring, and leading high-performing software engineering teams in deep‑tech, scientific, or high‑performance computing environments.
• Strategic roadmap ownership: Demonstrated ability to define software roadmaps, evaluate emerging technologies, and translate high-level business goals into executable development programs.
• Quantum domain familiarity: Working knowledge or strong interest in quantum computing stacks, frameworks (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, OpenQASM), compilers (e.g., LLVM/MLIR), real‑time control, or quantum error correction.

Why join Groove Quantum

• Frontier Tech: Tackle high-impact problems at the forefront of the quantum revolution.
• A World‑Class Team: Collaborate with an ambitious, international, and creative team in Delft’s premier quantum ecosystem.
• Flexibility & Balance: Enjoy flexible hours, hybrid work, and 30 days of paid vacation plus public holidays.
• Financial Growth & Equity: Receive a competitive salary, an 8% holiday allowance, and stock appreciation rights.
• Global Network: Expand your horizons with full backing for international conference travel and industry partnerships.

We are committed to building an inclusive, supportive workplace where initiative is celebrated. Join us, bring your ideas, and scale your career as we shape the future of quantum technology.