Principal Software Engineer

Atom Computing; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited paid time off

401K company matching

Short- and long-term disability

Life insurance

Drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches daily

Job summary

A leading quantum computing company in Boulder is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design backend services for their next-generation quantum platform. Responsibilities include implementing software for quantum operations and collaborating with scientists and engineers. Ideal candidates will have expertise in languages like C++ and Python, along with a Master's or PhD and 10+ years of experience. Competitive salary offered between $180,000 - $220,000, plus bonus and equity.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of post-degree experience building complex systems.
• Strong communication skills demonstrated through technical presentations.
• Adaptability and curiosity in learning new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement software services for quantum computing.
• Mentor and support engineers through guidance and code reviews.
• Collaborate with quantum physicists and engineers to shape product roadmap.

Skills

C++

Python

Rust

Go

Computer architecture

Quantum error correction

Distributed systems

Education

Masters or PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world‑class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state‑of‑the‑art in quantum computing.

Atom Computing is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to define and evolve the backend services architecture that powers our next‑generation quantum computing platform. In this role, you will design scalable, production‑grade services that support researcher workflows, quantum job orchestration, and externally facing APIs for interacting with Atom’s quantum computers. You will lead architectural decisions around distributed systems, service boundaries, and cloud infrastructure while ensuring high performance, reliability, and observability across the platform. The ideal candidate can translate the unique execution models and data flows of quantum workloads into well‑architected backend systems and will play a hands‑on role implementing and guiding these services as they evolve into a scalable commercial product.

Due to the need for collaboration with Atom’s physics, software and hardware teams, this role is required to be in the office in Boulder at least 3 days per week.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and implement software services required for simulation, compilation and operation of the quantum computer.
• Mentor and support engineers through technical guidance, code reviews, and knowledge sharing to strengthen team capability and software quality.
• Collaborate closely with quantum physicists, optical engineers, and hardware engineers to understand key use cases and shape the product roadmap.

Experience & Education

• Masters or PhD in Computer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of post‑degree experience building complex systems.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to write production software using C++, Python, Rust, or Go.
• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: computer architecture, quantum error correction, or distributed systems, with a willingness to learn across disciplines as needed.
• Strong communication skills, demonstrated through technical presentations, publications, or collaborative research.
• Adaptability and curiosity, with a demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and work effectively in areas of uncertainty.

Additional desirable experience includes

• Building and scaling a developer operations team, including workflow automation, access management, and infrastructure-as-code practices.
• Having managed and optimized databases either in the cloud or on‑site.
• Familiarity and experience implementing security best practices.
• Having set up or configured networks, both physical and virtual.
• Interfacing with and controlling cameras, motors, lasers, and other third party devices.

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $180,000 - $220,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.