Principal Quantum Software Lead

Cisco Systems, Inc; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 251,000 - 363,000; Full time

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead a team of engineers in building quantum software and hardware systems. You will guide architecture, contribute hands-on, and drive integration across quantum control and error-correction domains.

You will influence the technical direction of Cisco’s Quantum Data Center and quantum networking initiatives, leveraging deep knowledge in software architecture and quantum mechanics.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of software engineering focusing on architecture, system design, and distributed systems.
• Experience using Go and/or Python for scalable, production-grade apps.
• Experience in a technical leadership or people management role with hands-on coding responsibilities.
• Hardware–software integration and co-design knowledge with quantum mechanics foundations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and development of distributed quantum software and hardware systems.
• Guide a team of engineers and contribute hands-on to code and system design.
• Drive quantum control, orchestration, and error correction solutions.
• Shape the technical direction of Cisco’s Quantum Data Center and quantum internet initiatives.

Skills

Distributed systems

Software architecture

Go/Python development

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's/PhD in related field

Job description

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead a team of engineers in building quantum software and hardware systems. You will guide architecture, contribute hands-on, and drive integration across quantum control and error-correction domains.

You will influence the technical direction of Cisco’s Quantum Data Center and quantum networking initiatives, leveraging deep knowledge in software architecture and quantum mechanics.