Compiler Engineer

Metric Geo; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Metric Geo in the United States is seeking an engineer to shape core software infrastructure at a venture-backed quantum computing startup.

You will build compiler infrastructure, work with LLVM/MLIR, design IRs and backends, and create a new DSL from scratch. A deep background in C++/Rust and a strong open-source record are highly valued; PhD preferred but exceptional candidates will be considered.

Qualifications

• Experience building compilers or compiler infrastructure.
• Experience with LLVM and MLIR, including IR lowering and code generation.
• Experience implementing programming languages or DSLs.
• Strong C++, Rust, or comparable systems programming experience.
• A strong open-source portfolio demonstrating projects you've built.
• Familiarity with quantum computing SDKs such as Qiskit or PennyLane is a bonus.
• PhD or equivalent research experience preferred, exceptional candidates considered.

Responsibilities

• Build core components of compiler infrastructure from the ground up.
• Work with LLVM and MLIR to develop and optimise compilation pipelines.
• Design and implement intermediate representations and compiler backends.
• Develop a domain-specific language from scratch, including its backend.
• Work on low-level programming language and compiler design problems.
• Contribute to open-source projects and help shape the future of compiler technology.

Skills

Compiler infrastructure

C++ and Rust

Open-source portfolio

DSLs / language design

Quantum SDK familiarity

Education

PhD or equivalent research experience

Tools

LLVM

MLIR

Job description

This is a rare opportunity to shape core software infrastructure at a venture-backed quantum computing company at a pivotal moment for the industry. The software you build will sit at the intersection of classical compiler technology and the emerging quantum computing stack.

We're looking for an engineer who genuinely enjoys working at the low level someone who has built compilers, language tooling, intermediate representations, or backends and is excited by the challenge of building new infrastructure from first principles.

What You'll Do:

• Build core components of compiler infrastructure from the ground up
• Work directly with LLVM and MLIR to develop and optimise compilation pipelines
• Design and implement intermediate representations and compiler backends
• Develop a domain-specific language from scratch, including its backend
• Work on low-level programming language and compiler design problems
• Contribute to open-source projects and help shape the future of compiler technology

What We're Looking For:

• Strong hands-on experience building compilers or compiler infrastructure
• Experience with LLVM and/or MLIR, particularly IR, lowering, code generation or compiler backends
• Experience implementing programming languages, DSLs, compiler passes, or similar low-level tooling
• Strong C++, Rust, or comparable systems programming experience
• A strong open-source portfolio demonstrating things you've actually built
• Familiarity with quantum computing or SDKs such as Qiskit or PennyLane is a bonus, not a requirement
• A solid understanding of what a quantum program does, deep quantum physics expertise isn't necessary
• PhD or equivalent research experience is preferred, but exceptional candidates with strong industry or project experience will also be considered