Quantum Software Engineer

Oxford Quantum Circuits
Reading, United Kingdom
Last week
Job Type
Permanent
Work Location
Hybrid
Posted
9 Apr 2026 (Last week)

At OQC, we aren’t just theorising about the future; we’re building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we’ve successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started.

As a Quantum Software Engineer in our compiler team, your mission is to advance the performance of quantum systems by developing software that enables efficient compilation, execution, and optimisation of quantum programs. You’ll play a key role in tackling some of the hardest challenges in the field—including quantum error mitigation and quantum error correction—to bring reliable quantum computing closer to reality.

The Role

You’ll work at the intersection of quantum physics and software engineering, building core components of our quantum toolchain. Collaborating closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, you’ll design, develop, and deploy scalable software solutions that directly impact how quantum computers are programmed and operated.

What You'll Be Working On

  • Owning end-to-end development of quantum software projects—from requirements through to deployment
  • Designing and building components of the quantum toolchain (e.g. qubit routing, placement, circuit optimisation, pulse scheduling)
  • Collaborating on solutions for quantum error mitigation and quantum error correction, improving system reliability and performance
  • Translating high-level quantum programs into instructions optimised for execution on quantum hardware
  • Debugging and resolving issues across development and production environments
  • Collaborating with engineers through pair programming, code reviews, and shared problem solving
  • Contributing to research, innovation, and knowledge sharing across the team and wider quantum community

What We're Looking For

  • Strong programming experience in Python and familiarity with modern software engineering practices
  • Solid understanding of computer science fundamentals (algorithms, data structures, systems design)
  • Experience designing and delivering complex software systems from concept to production
  • Knowledge of quantum computing principles, with particular emphasis on quantum error correction / error mitigation techniques and quantum circuits compilation principles
  • Ability to debug complex systems and take ownership of production-quality code
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Degree-level knowledge in computer science or a related numerical discipline

The 'Nice-to-Haves'

  • Hands-on experience working with quantum computers or quantum software stacks
  • Experience developing algorithms for quantum systems, particularly in error correction or noise-aware optimisation
  • Background in quantum theory or superconducting circuits
  • Experience with distributed systems, message brokers, or data streaming tools
  • Contributions to research, publications, or conference presentations in quantum technologies
  • Postgraduate qualification (MSc or PhD) in a relevant field

Why Join OQC

You will join a world-class team at the forefront of the next computational era. We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation.

Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here: https://oqc.tech/company/careers-at-oqc/

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Quantum Software Engineer - QEC

ColdQuanta Kidlington, United Kingdom
Hybrid

Quantum Software Engineer - Algorithms & Applications

ColdQuanta Kidlington, United Kingdom
Hybrid

Senior Cloud Backend Software Engineer

ColdQuanta Kidlington, United Kingdom
Hybrid

Applications Scientist - Quantum Chemistry

Quantum Motion London, United Kingdom
Permanent

Research Scientist – Quantum Algorithm Implementation - 749

Quantinuum Cambridge, United Kingdom
Hybrid

Error Correction and Algorithms Scientist

Quantum Motion London, United Kingdom
Permanent

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Where to Advertise Quantum Computing Jobs in the UK (2026 Guide)

Advertising quantum computing jobs in the UK requires a fundamentally different approach to most technical hiring. The global talent pool is tiny — measured in thousands, not tens of thousands — and concentrated around a small number of university physics departments, national laboratories and well-funded hardware startups. Many of the strongest candidates hold PhDs in quantum physics, quantum information or adjacent disciplines and are embedded in academic or research communities that rarely intersect with mainstream job boards. General platforms are largely ineffective for quantum hiring. Specialist boards, academic channels and direct community outreach are not optional extras — they are the primary sourcing strategy. This guide, published by QuantumComputingJobs.co.uk, covers where to advertise quantum computing roles in the UK in 2026, how the main platforms compare, what employers should expect to pay, and what the data says about hiring across different role types.

New Quantum Computing Employers to Watch in 2026: UK and International Companies Advancing Quantum Careers

Quantum computing is no longer confined to research labs. As companies convert quantum theory into testable products, algorithms, and computing platforms, demand for professionals with quantum knowledge — whether physics, algorithms, software development, or hardware engineering — is rising. In 2026, quantum computing organisations are securing significant funding, industry partnerships, and contracts across sectors such as energy, finance, telecommunications, defence, and healthcare. For candidates exploring opportunities on www.QuantumComputingJobs.co.uk , understanding which employers are hiring now and scaling quantum teams is crucial. This article profiles the new and high‑growth quantum computing employers to watch in 2026, with a specific focus on UK‑based innovators, international firms with UK operations, and leading global quantum organisations.

How Many Quantum Computing Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Quantum Computing Job?

Quantum computing is one of the most exciting frontiers in science and technology — and the job market reflects that excitement. But for aspiring practitioners, the sheer number of tools, frameworks, programming languages and hardware platforms can feel overwhelming. One job advert mentions Qiskit, another talks about Cirq or Pennylane. You see references to quantum annealers and superconducting qubits, to measurement hardware and simulators, to noise mitigation libraries and cloud platforms. It’s easy to conclude that unless you master every quantum tool, you’ll never get a job. Here’s the honest truth most quantum computing hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real problems and explain why your solutions work. Tools matter, but context, understanding, judgement and results matter more. So how many quantum computing tools do you actually need to know to succeed in a job search? The real answer is significantly fewer than most people assume — and far more focused by role. This article breaks down what tools really matter in quantum jobs, which ones are core, which are role-specific, and how you can build a coherent toolkit that employers actually value.