QPU Software Engineer
Location: Oxford, UK
A world-leading quantum computing company, backed by global technology leaders including Google, is expanding its QPU Software Engineering team and is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to help build the software stack that powers next-generation quantum hardware.
In this role, you will develop software that orchestrates and controls the full quantum hardware stack - from real-time control of lasers and FPGAs through to system-wide configuration, diagnostics, and feedback. You will work at the intersection of software engineering, quantum physics, and advanced hardware, enabling precise, reliable, and scalable quantum operations.
Role Overview
As part of a highly multidisciplinary engineering team, you will collaborate closely with physicists, systems architects, and hardware engineers to design and implement robust software infrastructure for controlling and operating quantum processing units (QPUs).
Key Responsibilities
* Design and implement software systems for orchestrating quantum experiments, including pulse sequence generation, device coordination, and real-time system control
* Develop and maintain APIs and middleware connecting low-level hardware control (FPGAs, DACs, timing systems) with higher-level orchestration software and compilers
* Implement reliable communication and synchronization protocols across embedded and distributed system components
* Translate experimental and system-level requirements into high-performance, testable software features in collaboration with physicists and system architects
* Contribute to diagnostics, calibration, and validation routines for hardware performance monitoring
* Build tooling to support automation, test infrastructure, system state management, and logging
* Participate in system bring-up, integration testing, and cross-disciplinary debugging
* Influence software architecture decisions, participate in code reviews, and help establish best engineering practices
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
* 5+ years of experience developing software for hardware control, embedded systems, or distributed systems
* Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++, with hands-on experience interfacing with hardware (SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet)
* Experience working with real-time systems or hardware-in-the-loop control environments
* Familiarity with timing and synchronization systems (e.g. PTP) and communication stacks
* Proven ability in system integration, testing, and performance optimisation
Preferred Experience
* Background in scientific instrumentation, lab automation, or quantum hardware control systems
* Experience with FPGA-based systems, DAC/ADC control, or pulse sequencing frameworks
* Exposure to embedded Linux, RTOS, or custom firmware development
* Knowledge of calibration, feedback, and control-loop algorithms
* Experience working in multidisciplinary teams at the intersection of software, hardware, and advanced science
Why Join?
* Work on cutting-edge quantum computing systems at the forefront of global research and commercialisation
* Collaborate with world-class engineers, physicists, and architects
* Join a well-funded organisation backed by major technology leaders, with long-term ambition and scale