Senior Engineer, Quantum Algorithms (Optimization)

Quantum Computing Inc.; Hoboken (NJ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Computing Inc. in Hoboken, NJ is seeking a Software Engineer specializing in mathematical optimization and quantum algorithms to architect the core software engine for its photonic quantum processors.

You will design a high-performance C++ runtime and HAL, collaborate with hardware and firmware teams, and advance algorithms that map optimization and machine-learning problems onto entropy-based photonic processors. This role demands strong math and HPC background.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of software engineering, focused on systems or HPC.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Experience with quantum algorithms, quantum information, or quantum optics.
• Solid background in convex optimization, QP, MILP, or gradient-free methods.
• Experience with numerical analysis and BLAS/LAPACK/Eigen.
• Familiarity with protocols and software integration.
• Linux system programming and build toolchains (CMake, GCC/Clang).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-performance C++ runtime and HAL for photonic optimization computers
• Profile and optimize critical execution paths to minimize latency
• Collaborate with FPGA, Electrical, Firmware to create/test device interfaces
• Develop algorithmic enhancements for quantum feedback to improve NP-hard problems
• Write efficient, thread-safe code for concurrent hardware control and real-time signal processing
• Design and implement novel algorithms mapping optimization and ML problems onto photonic quantum processors
• Build software layers to decompose and orchestrate large-scale optimization across hardware resources
• Contribute to quantum algorithms on the company roadmap

Skills

C++

Python

Quantum Algorithms

HPC

Algorithm Design

Mathematical Optimization

Multi-threading

Linux

CMake

Performance Profiling

Hardware Abstraction

Signal Processing

Education

MS/PhD in Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics

Tools

Docker

Job description

Job Title:Software Engineer, Quantum Algorithms (Optimization)

Division:Technology

About Us

Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. QCi products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The Company’s portfolio of core technology and products offer unique capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security as well as remote sensing applications.

Position Description

We are looking for a Software Engineer with deep expertise in Mathematical Optimization and quantum algorithm development. This role is critical in architecting the core software engine that drives our proprietary photonic quantum processors, combining complex mathematical formulations with physical optical hardware feedback.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement the high-performance C++ runtime and Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) for photonic optimization computers
• Profile and optimize critical execution paths to minimize latency, addressing bottlenecks in memory bandwidth, cache locality, and data transfer
• Collaborate with FPGA, Electrical engineers and Firmware engineers to ensure to create, test, and optimize device interfaces.
• Develop algorithmic enhancements to usage of quantum feedback to solve NP hard optimization problems more efficiently with higher solution quality.
• Write efficient, thread-safe code for concurrent hardware control and real-time signal processing.
• Design and implement novel algorithms that map optimization and machine-learning problems onto entropy-based photonic quantum processors, including post-processing pipelines.
• Build software layers to decompose and orchestrate large-scale optimization problems across multiple photonic hardware resources.
• Contribute to quantum algorithms on the company roadmap

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in software engineering with a focus on systems or HPC.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python
• Experience with quantum algorithms, quantum information, or quantum optics.
• Strong mathematical background in Convex Optimization, Quadratic Programming (QP), Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP), or Gradient-Free Methods.
• Experience with Numerical Analysis and high-performance math libraries (e.g., BLAS, LAPACK, Eigen).
• Familiarity with protocols (e.g., UART, SPI, gRPC, REST) and software integration.
• Strong understanding of performance tuning, memory management, and fault-tolerant design.
• Familiarity with Linux system programming and build toolchains (CMake, GCC/Clang).
• Experience working in cross-functional teams involving hardware, physics, and software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics.
• Experience with classical optimization solvers (e.g., CPLEX, Gurobi) or heuristic frameworks.
• Familiarity with Open Quantum Systems or optical feedback mechanisms.
• Background in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) or control theory.
• Knowledge of containerized deployment using Docker.

Skills

C++, Quantum Algorithms, High Performance Computing (HPC), Algorithm Design, Mathematical Optimization,, Multi-threading, Linux, CMake, Python, Performance Profiling, Hardware Abstraction, Signal Processing

Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.