Principal Software Engineer - Control Systems

Atom Computing; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K matching

Unlimited PTO

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing is building quantum computers with arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms and high-performance control systems. The Principal Software Engineer will shape the software stack across embedded firmware, real-time systems, and GPU/FPGA acceleration, working closely with theory, hardware, and software teams.

The role requires in-office presence in Boulder or Austin at least 3 days per week and offers a competitive base salary, annual bonus, and equity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Advanced degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build and test embedded firmware and software powering high-speed SDRs and real-time feedback loops.
• Design and optimize deterministic, low-latency software for quantum hardware including device drivers and Linux kernel modules.
• Evaluate real-time execution strategies across Linux and RTOS environments for determinism and throughput.
• Develop orchestration layers coordinating GPUs, FPGAs, and custom electronics for high-bandwidth quantum control.
• Rapidly prototype and iterate using Rust, Python, C/C++, and CUDA.
• Collaborate with theorists, hardware engineers, and platform software teams to translate quantum control flows into production-ready code.

Skills

C++

Python

Rust

Go

CUDA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Advanced degree a plus

Tools

NVIDIA CUDA toolchains

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.

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help design and build the high-performance control systems that drive our next-generation quantum computing platforms. In this role, you’ll work across embedded software, real-time systems, GPU/FPGA acceleration, and hardware orchestration to deliver deterministic, high-throughput control pipelines. Your work will directly shape how our quantum processors operate, scale, and perform.

This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who loves deep systems work, understands hardware/software co-design, and thrives at the intersection of physics, architecture, and performance engineering. Due to the need for collaboration with Atom’s theory, software and hardware teams, this role is required to be in the office in Boulder or Austin at least 3 days per week.

Job Responsibilities

• Build and test embedded firmware and software powering high-speed software defined radios (SDRs), imaging pipelines, precision scientific instrumentation, and real-time digital feedback loops
• Design and optimize deterministic, low-latency software for quantum hardware — including device drivers, Linux kernel modules, and custom subsystems
• Evaluate and architect real-time execution strategies across Linux and RTOS environments; drive design decisions around determinism, throughput, and system scalability
• Develop orchestration layers coordinating GPUs, FPGAs, and custom electronics for high-bandwidth, tightly synchronized quantum control operations
• Rapidly prototype and iterate using Rust, Python, C/C++, and CUDA
• Collaborate with quantum theorists, hardware engineers, and platform software teams to translate quantum control flows into fast, reliable, production-ready code

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree a plus
• At least 8 years of relevant postgraduate professional experience

Qualifications

• Proficiency in software development using C++, Python, Rust, or Go; experience with NVIDIA CUDA toolchains and ability to apply these skills in rapid prototyping and production systems.
• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: computer architecture, signal processing, algorithm development, quantum error correction, distributed systems, or compilers, with a willingness to learn across disciplines as needed
• Organizational, coordination, and multi-tasking expertise
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills involving large-scale systems
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork

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 $165,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.