Principal Software Engineer - Control Systems

Atom Computing; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401K company matching

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

Atom Computing is hiring a senior software/firmware engineer in Boulder to build embedded code powering quantum hardware and high-speed control pipelines. You will design drivers, Linux modules, and real-time systems to meet demanding determinism and throughput requirements.

Ideal candidates have 8+ years of postgrad experience, a CS/EE degree, and proficiency in C++, Python, Rust, or Go with CUDA experience. Collaboration across theory, hardware, and platform teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 8 years of relevant postgraduate professional experience.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, Rust, or Go; CUDA toolchains experience.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

C++

Python

Rust

Go

CUDA

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/EE

Advanced degree a plus

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.

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.