Quantum Software Engineer - Energy Grid Optimization

Infleqtion; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401(k) match

Equity program

Job summary

Infleqtion is seeking a Quantum Software Engineer to apply quantum optimization and error correction methods to energy grid problems. You will conduct R&D, write code for quantum algorithms, and collaborate with external groups to advance grid optimization solutions.

You will contribute to proposals, work with experimentalists and software engineers, publish findings, and stay current on quantum algorithm developments while mentoring teammates in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in CS, Physics, Applied Math, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong Python programming skills; proficiency in C/C++ or Julia with ability to upskill in Python.
• Experience with quantum optimization algorithms: QAOA, IQP, quantum annealing.
• Familiarity with theoretical aspects of quantum optimization algorithms: parameter transfer, barren plateaus, classical optimization.
• Experience with quantum error correction and partial quantum error correction techniques.
• Familiarity with energy grid optimization concepts: unit commitment, N-k contingency.
• Experience optimizing quantum circuits: mapping/routing, gate decomposition.
• Experience with both noiseless and noisy simulation of quantum circuits and running on hardware.
• Experience with open-source quantum software frameworks (Cirq, Qiskit) and modifying them.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate at all levels; strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional, fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D toward advances in quantum technology with a focus on energy grid optimization.
• Write and test code applying quantum algorithms to energy grid problems.
• Interface and collaborate with external groups using quantum computing for grid optimization.
• Contribute to development of government and commercial energy grid proposals.
• Collaborate with experimental physicists and software engineers to bridge theory and practice.
• Publish research findings in journals and present at conferences.
• Stay up to date with developments in quantum algorithms and energy grid optimization.
• Provide guidance and support to team members, fostering collaboration.

Skills

Python

QAOA

IQP circuits

C/C++

Julia

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Learn quickly

Education

BS/MS in CS/Physics/Applied Math/EE

PhD (preferred)

Tools

Cirq

Qiskit

Stim

Job description

We are seeking a Quantum Software Engineer with expertise in quantum optimization algorithms and quantum error correction techniques and an interest in applying that expertise to energy grid optimization problems.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D toward cutting-edge advances in quantum technology with a focus on applications to energy grid optimization
• Write and test code to apply quantum algorithms to energy grid optimization problems
• Interface and collaborate with external groups interested in using quantum computing to solve energy grid optimization problems
• Contribute to development of government and commercial energy grid optimization proposals
• Collaborate with experimental physicists and software engineers to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical implementation
• Engage with the broader scientific community by publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting at conferences
• Stay up to date with the latest developments in both quantum algorithms and energy grid optimization
• Provide guidance and support to other team members, fostering a collaborative research environment

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
• High proficiency in programming, with fluency in Python preferable. Proficiency in alternative languages (e.g., C/C++ or Julia) with the ability to rapidly upskill in Python
• Experience with quantum algorithms used for optimization applications: QAOA, IQP circuits, quantum annealing, etc
• Familiarity with theoretical aspects of quantum optimization algorithms: parameter transfer, barren plateaus, classical optimization algorithms, etc
• Experience with quantum error correction and partial quantum error correction techniques: iceberg codes, encoding, decoding, etc
• Familiarity with energy grid optimization: unit commitment, N-k contingency, etc
• Experience optimizing quantum circuits: mapping/routing, gate decomposition, etc
• Experience with both noiseless and noisy simulation of quantum circuits
• Experience running quantum circuits on quantum hardware and analyzing the results thereof
• Experience with open-source quantum software frameworks, such as Cirq or Qiskit. Ideal candidates will have experience not only using these libraries but also modifying them
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate will all levels of an organization. Professional-level communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a highly collaborative, cross-functional, team-oriented, and matrixed environment
• Desire and demonstrated ability to thrive and produce results in a fluid, dynamic, and fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and complex topics quickly
• Resourceful problem-solver who collaboratively identifies effective paths forward with demonstrated expertise in executing productization efforts
• Passion for solving complex problems and challenges in a highly technical and scientific environment
• Ability to be in the office any three days per week
• Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally up to 10%

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in quantum computation, physics, computer science, or a directly related field
• Familiarity with concepts in quantum computing such as error correction, fault tolerance, native gate decomposition, qubit mapping and routing, and variational quantum algorithms
• Experience with advanced open-source quantum software frameworks such as Stim
• Familiarity with best practices of professional software engineering such as coverage, integration tests, type checking, unit tests, and version control
• Experience with backend development with tools such as FastAPI for web frameworks and PostgreSQL/SQLAlchemy for databases
• Experience with cloud development, especially on GCP and AWS
• Familiarity with CI/CD, automated actions, issue tracking, version control, and other features on GitHub
• Familiarity with security core best-practices such as access control, encryption at rest, key rotation, and logging
• Exposure to or interest in front-end / GUI development (e.g., React, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, PyQt)

Benefits

• Salary range: 140000-182000 USD/year
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
• Employer-funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) match
• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Savings Account
• Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment
• Equity Program