Research Software Engineer

About The Role and Team

Since 2021 our team has been listed every year in the “Top 100 Startups worth watching” in the EE Times, 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, Sony Innovation Fund, 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, quantum computing theoreticians and software engineers 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 across London, Oxford, San Sebastián and Sydney, with our primary

hub in Islington (London).

Our Team

The role will require the individual to maintain and develop in-house software stack for efficient data acquisition and analysis by hardware and integrated circuits teams within the company. This role will also include refactoring, writing and testing software which interfaces with test and measurement hardware. The role sits within the Intelligent Automation team, whose goal is to transform the automation of key parts of both the characterisation and operation of the quantum processor and its constituent parts. No background in quantum physics is required.

This is 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 vast opportunities for professional growth and to make an impact within the company.

Please note that this is a hybrid role, typically requiring 60% on-site attendance. Due to the nature of the role, a fully remote work pattern cannot be considered.

Functions of the Role

• Maintaining and expanding in-house software for experiment and instrument control

• Working with hardware experts to understand requirements, scope out and develop new features

• Improving code health for existing software libraries including refactoring, test development and documentation

• Managing the tracking of feature requests, issues and bugs to ensure their resolution

• Supporting best practice in the use of software repositories for measurement and analysis tools for use by members of the measurement teams

Experience - Essentials

• Minimum 2:1 degree in Computer Science or a closely related discipline

• Strong Python developer with at least 1 year of industry experience

• Solid understanding of object-oriented programming and core software design principles

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to reason about complex systems

• Familiarity with Git, version control, and modern software development best practices

• A desire to work closely with end users in technical or experimental environments

• Strong collaborative approach with good communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently to achieve defined goals

Experience - Desirable

• Background in a physical science or engineering discipline (e.g. physics, engineering, applied mathematics)

• Experience using Python scientific and numerical libraries (e.g. NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Jupyter)

• Knowledge of additional programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Rust, MATLAB, or similar)

• Familiarity with software validation and testing practices

• Familiarity with preparing technical reports and presentations

Application Process

• Initial screening interview with Talent Team (20 mins)

• Technical Interview with Hiring Manager (30 mins)

• Take home coding exercise (2 – 3 hours of work, 1 week to complete)

• Interview with hiring manager + panel and 121’s with key stakeholders (2 hours)
  

Benefits

• Be part of a creative, world-leading team

• Competitive salary and share options scheme

• Contributory pension scheme

• Choose your own laptop/kit

• Life Assurance

• Cycle-to-work Scheme