Working as a research-based software engineer, you will collaborate with the applications team to develop software for quantum computing. This role will focus on designing, implementing, and maintaining scientific software tools to support the goals of the applications team, including algorithm design, compilation of quantum programs, quantum resource estimation, and high-performance simulations. Depending upon skillset and interest, you will also support software efforts for quantum error correction and silicon-spin device modelling.

Candidates should ideally have prior experience of developing software as well as a track record of working on research-level projects. We will consider applications without prior quantum computing experience if the candidate can demonstrate exceptional expertise as a software engineer. The role will involve programming in multiple languages such as Python, C++, and Mathematica and ideal candidates will have examples of building or maintaining open source software libraries. Experience with GPU-programming and running on high-performance computing platforms is desirable.

Although this is a software-focused role, it is expected that you will contribute support and expertise to ongoing research at Quantum Motion. The output of such projects may include publications, open-source software libraries, and publicly-available datasets. You will also support continuing engagements with partners in industry by developing software that helps map input problems to a quantum setting.

This is therefore a rare and exciting opportunity to be an early employee at a start-up shaping the future of quantum computing. Being a small team and having a flat structure, this is a great opportunity to contribute to new developments within the field. There are multiple opportunities for professional growth and to make impacts within the company.

We are one of the “Top 100 Startups worth watching” in the EE Times in 2021 and 2022, and our technology breakthroughs have been featured in The Telegraph, BBC and the New Statesman. Our founders are internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University who have pioneered the development of qubits and quantum computing architectures. Our chairman is the co-founder of Cadence and Synopsys, the two leading companies in the area of Electronic Design Automation. We’re backed by a team of top-tier investors including Bosch Ventures, Porsche SE, Oxford Sciences Innovations, INKEF Capital and Octopus Ventures, and we have so far raised over £62 million in equity and grant funding.

We bring together the brightest quantum engineers, integrated circuit (IC) engineers and quantum computing theoreticians to create a unique, world-leading team, working together closely to maximise our combined expertise. Our collaborative and interdisciplinary culture is an ideal fit for anyone who thrives in a cutting-edge research and development environment focused on tackling big challenges and contributing to the development of scalable quantum computers based on silicon technology.

Our team of 100+ is based in Oxford and London, with a centre of mass in our Islington lab.

• Liaise with researchers in the applications team to understand their software needs and the requirements of current research projects.

• Design and implement high-quality software solutions to enable applications research and ensure the software is correct, well-tested, and maintained.

• Integrate key libraries with Quantum Motion’s public software stack, designed for use by researchers worldwide.

• Carry out numerics experiments to verify findings in research projects, including runs on high-performance compute resources and GPUs.

• Work with partners in industry to transform applications-focused problems to a quantum algorithm.

• Assist software efforts within the wider theory team at Quantum Motion, such as quantum error correction and hardware modelling.

• Advanced degree in computer science, physics, maths, engineering, or a related discipline.

• In-depth experience of developing software in high-level scientific languages such as Python or Julia.

• An understanding of software development practices, such as use of Git / GitHub, testing, and documentation.

• Familiarity with a low-level programming language such as C++ or Rust.

• Track record of applying software to research-level problems and an enthusiasm to work with researchers in the applications team to support ongoing projects.

• Demonstrations of understanding user requirements and developing high-quality software solutions.

• Strong collaborative mindset with good communication and interpersonal skills.

• An inquisitive nature and logical approach to problem solving. A passion for tackling big challenges and, in particular, for developing quantum computers.

• Evidence of developing software for quantum computing applications

• Experience with quantum software tools such as qualtran, Qiskit, QuEST, or PennyLane.

• Previous use of high-performance compute facilities or GPUs.

• Development or maintenance of an open source software project.

• Ability to use Mathematica, which is sometimes used as a tool by researchers in the applications team.

• Experience with computational chemistry tools such as Gaussian, ORCA, or PySCF.

• Experience with programming low-level hardware such as FPGAs and ASICs.

We are open to part-time applications and those who would like to maintain a joint role in academia. This role is hybrid, with the expectation of at least one day per week spent in our London office.

• Be part of a creative, world-leading team
• Competitive salary and share options scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Cycle-to-work Scheme
• Flexible working
• Hybrid Central London location

Quantum Motion is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate based on age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, colour, religion, disability status, marital status, pregnancy, gender reassignment or any other protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Quantum Motion is a fast-growing quantum computing scale-up based in London founded by internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University with over 40 years’ experience in developing qubits and quantum computing architectures. Bringing together state-of-the-art cryogenic facilities and an outstanding interdisciplinary team, we are developing quantum processors based on industrial-grade silicon chips, with the potential to radically transform computing power in areas such as materials modelling, medicine, artificial intelligence and more.