Q-CTRL is looking to solve the hardest problems facing quantum technology by improving hardware performance and accelerating pathways to useful quantum computers and other technologies. The Software Engineer will contribute to building a scalable, high-performance backend system and quantum controller infrastructure, specifically by maintaining and evolving the compiler stack that translates quantum programs for low-level quantum controllers.
Requirements
- 3+ years of backend software development experience with Python.
- Proven experience writing maintainable, testable code in a professional setting.
- Experience with quantum hardware control systems (or similar) or pulse-level programming (e.g., OpenQASM3, Qiskit Pulse, Qua).
- Familiarity with formal language design (e.g. LL(*) or PEG parsers) and compiler theory or ecosystems (e.g. LLVM/MLIR).
- Hands-on experience with modern APIs like gRPC, GraphQL, or REST.
- Comfortable working with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and cloud infrastructure tools.
- Knowledge of distributed systems, microservices, or database scaling techniques.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize scalable backend services in Python.
- Maintain and evolve the compiler that translates OpenQASM3 + OpenPulse programs into low-level controller instructions.
- Work closely with world-class researchers and quantum engineers, translating experimental needs into production-ready code and debugging real-world execution challenges.
- Experiment on quantum hardware: Get hands-on with QPUs, validating compiler output and controller behaviors through real device experiments.
- Deliver high-efficiency service-to-service communication using modern protocols (gRPC, GraphQL, REST).
- Shape and enforce best practices for clean, secure, and reliable code while contributing to robust testing and documentation.
- Help define the software practices, tools, and design patterns that will power the next generation of quantum control systems.
Other
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
- Proven ability to mentor junior team members and accelerate their contributions.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across cross-functional teams.
- A track record of leading or mentoring in technical projects, particularly in early-stage or research and development-heavy environments.
- Flexibility: We embrace workplace flexibility so you worry more about your impact vs a rigid work schedule.
