Senior Research Scientist, Superconducting Hardware

Airbus Ventures; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Discretionary bonuses

Flexible work options

Job summary

Q-CTRL is seeking a scientist/software engineer to advance calibration and control of superconducting quantum hardware. You will work with quantum scientists and software engineers to push toward high-fidelity two-qubit gates, shorten calibration loops, and integrate FPGA-based compute with the host system.

You will contribute to runtime calibration strategies, cross-architecture research, and production-grade software tools while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced quantum

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in physics or engineering with a focus on quantum computing.
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or Rust.
• Experience calibrating two-qubit gates and working with superconducting qubits.

Responsibilities

• Design and test novel calibration techniques for two-qubit gates across hardware architectures.
• Develop scalable protocols for processor optimization (cross-talk mitigation, leakage reduction).
• Conduct research in runtime control strategies leveraging low-latency compute (FPGA).
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to translate research into production software.
• Explain, document and present research solutions in accessible language.

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

RF engineering

FPGA development

Quantum software development

Education

PhD preferred

Advanced degree in Physics or Engineering

Tools

FPGAs

Job description

About the team

The Quantum Computing Research team is dedicated to developing innovative methods to get the best possible performance from contemporary and next generation quantum computers. We push toward quantum advantage by developing cutting-edge applications, employing AI, control theory, and physics principles to optimize and automate critical parts of the quantum computing stack. We conduct pioneering research looking toward the near future, including quantum error correction and the integration of quantum computers with high performance computing and data centers.

About the role

At Q-CTRL, we’re pioneering the future of quantum technology. In this role, you will join a collaborative team of quantum scientists and software engineers to advance the control and calibration of superconducting quantum hardware. Your primary focus will be on runtime calibration methods for optimizing two-qubit gates, enabling the high-fidelity execution of quantum algorithms and quantum error correction at scale. You will push calibration execution closer to the hardware, leveraging FPGA compute and low-latency communication with the compute host. Partnering closely with cross-functional research, product, and engineering teams, you will apply your insights to complex quantum computing challenges and translate your ideas into robust software tools. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of quantum technology, driving innovation and delivering impactful solutions.

What you’ll be doing

• Design and test novel calibration techniques for two-qubit gates across different hardware architectures.
• Develop scalable protocols for processor optimization (e.g. cross-talk mitigation, leakage reduction, defect mitigation).
• Conduct research in runtime control strategies leveraging low-latency compute.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to translate ideas and research outcomes into production-level software.
• Explain, document and present research solutions in accessible language.

Ideally you’ll have

• An advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. A PhD is preferred, but we also consider exceptional candidates with previous industry experience.
• 3+ years of experience conducting research in a relevant field.
• Deep understanding of superconducting qubit physics and RF engineering.
• Expertise in calibrating two-qubit gates for transmon architectures (e.g. tunable couplers, parametric, cross-resonance)
• Experience with the calibration control stack, signal chain, FPGAs.
• A good grasp of software development best practices, and experience in developing software modules for qubit measurement and control (Python, C++, or Rust).

Salary

The base salary for this position is targeted between $150K - $225K 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.

Should you have any questions related to the compensation package, please speak directly with the Talent Acquisition representative.

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.com domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.