Principal Software Engineer

Lever, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Q-CTRL in the San Francisco area seeks a Senior Software Engineer for the Boulder Opal team to design and evolve a high‑performance compiler that translates pulse‑level quantum programs into controller instructions. You will work with researchers to bridge algorithms and hardware, mentor engineers, and run experiments on quantum hardware to validate compiler outputs end‑to‑end.

The role emphasizes Python and C++ development, LLVM/MLIR experience, and building production‑grade compiler

Qualifications

• Proficient in Python and C++ with strong compiler background.
• Experience with LLVM, MLIR, and language tooling.
• Design and implement production compiler systems and architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and optimise compiler infrastructure, intermediate representations, optimisation passes and code generation.
• Maintain and evolve our bespoke Python DSL used by researchers to construct pulse-level quantum programs.
• Build high-performance software using Python and C++.
• Work closely with researchers to translate experimental algorithms into production-quality compiler capabilities.
• Run experiments on quantum hardware to validate compiler outputs end-to-end.
• Influence technical direction, mentor other engineers and drive engineering best practices.

Skills

Python

C++

LLVM

MLIR

Language tooling

DSLs

Compiler design

Systems programming

Tools

Verilog

VHDL

HLS

Job description

About the team

At Q-CTRL, Quantum Computing Engineering is a global team of software engineers and infrastructure experts, combining deep technical expertise with a startup mindset to deliver real impact through software innovation. Our work is underpinned by robust standards, and by embracing the three virtues. Our team excels in areas across back-end, front-end, machine learning, and platform engineering.

We transform Q-CTRL’s world-leading technological breakthroughs into commercial software products with applications across defense, research, and industry. We work closely with Product, Design, and Research teams to accelerate the path to quantum advantage worldwide.

About the role

As a Senior Software Engineer on the Boulder Opal team, you will lead the design and evolution of the compiler that powers next-generation quantum computing systems. Working closely with researchers and quantum engineers, you will bridge the gap between quantum algorithms and physical hardware by building a high-performance compiler capable of translating pulse-level programs into controller instructions.

This is a hands-on senior engineering role for someone with deep compiler expertise who enjoys solving challenging systems problems and influencing technical direction.

What you'll be doing:

• Design, implement and optimise compiler infrastructure, intermediate representations, optimisation passes and code generation.
• Maintain and evolve our bespoke Python DSL used by researchers to construct pulse-level quantum programs.
• Build high-performance software using Python and C++.
• Work closely with researchers to translate experimental algorithms into production-quality compiler capabilities.
• Run experiments on quantum hardware to validate compiler outputs end-to-end.
• Influence technical direction, mentor other engineers and drive engineering best practices.
• Other duties within the Employee’s skills and experience, or with reasonable training.

Ideally you'll have:

• Strong proficiency in Python and C++.
• Experience with LLVM, particularly MLIR.
• Experience implementing language tooling, parsers or DSLs.
• Significant experience designing production compiler systems.Experience with compiler architectures, intermediate representations, optimisation passes and code generation.
• Strong understanding of systems programming and software architecture.

It would be fantastic (but not essential) if you bring:

• Experience with quantum control systems or pulse-level programming.
• Experience with experimental characterization of superconducting or semiconductor spin qubits.
• Experience with RF signal processing concepts such as IQ modulation.
• Experience using laboratory instrumentation (AWGs, digitisers, oscilloscopes, SCPI-controlled instruments).
• Experience with FPGA development (Verilog, VHDL or HLS).

Salary

The base salary for this position is targeted between $150,000 - $225,000 and will ultimately be determined by specific job-related skills, experience, level, location and other contributing factors. Depending on the position offered, this role may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses, equity and other forms of compensation outside of the targeted range. For more information on benefits at Q-CTRL, please visit our careers page at https://q-ctrl.com/careers.

About Q-CTRL

Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real-world impact.

Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Huntsville, Berlin, and Oxford. Our teams bring together technical and multi-disciplinary expertise across the product lifecycle, and we’re hiring talent to help scale every part of the business. We work quickly to turn cutting-edge science into deployable technology.

In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company. Six months later we delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field-validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.

At Q-CTRL, we prioritize outcomes over hours. We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high-performance culture. If you’re ready to help shape the future of quantum, we’d love to hear from you!

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Please be advised that our communications will only come from the @q-ctrl.comdomain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.