Senior Software Engineer – Back-end

Los Angeles 26 days agoFull-time External
1k - 1.7k / yr
Job Description: • Build the backbone of quantum tech: Design, develop, and optimize scalable backend services in Python. • Own the compiler stack: Maintain and evolve the compiler that translates OpenQASM3 + OpenPulse programs into low-level controller instructions. • Bridge research and engineering: 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. • Engineer for performance: Deliver high-efficiency service-to-service communication using modern protocols (gRPC, GraphQL, REST). • Raise the bar on quality: Shape and enforce best practices for clean, secure, and reliable code while contributing to robust testing and documentation. • Shape the future stack: Help define the software practices, tools, and design patterns that will power the next generation of quantum control systems. • Deliver end-to-end solutions: Collaborate with product, frontend, and infrastructure teams to ship integrated solutions used across Q-CTRL’s products. • Other duties within the Employee's skills and experience, or with reasonable training. Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. • 3+ years of backend software development experience with Python. • Proven experience writing maintainable, testable code in a professional setting. • Proven ability to mentor junior team members and accelerate their contributions. • Strong collaboration and communication skills across cross-functional teams. • Experience with quantum hardware control systems (or similar) or pulse-level programming (e.g., OpenQASM3, Qiskit Pulse, Qua). • A track record of leading or mentoring in technical projects, particularly in early-stage or research and development-heavy environments. Benefits: • Flexibility: We embrace workplace flexibility so you worry more about your impact vs a rigid work schedule. • Attractive salary: You’ll get to have the start-up impact without the start-up wages. • Equity: We want people to have a sense of ownership in what they do and offer the potential for equity share and annual bonuses. • Cash bonus: We recognize exceptional performance and impact by offering annual discretionary cash bonuses. • Resources: We are well funded by the world’s best technology investors, letting us chase our ambitions with minimal constraints. • Parental support: We offer paid parental leave to support you and your loved ones. • Diversity: We’re an equal opportunity employer and actively support initiatives like the ‘Global Women in Quantum’ program to help expand the quantum workforce. • Unique culture: You’ll be surrounded by some of the world’s leading physicists, engineers, product, marketing and design people (to name a few!) with a strong desire to learn and transfer knowledge. • Meaningful values: You’ll work with an incredibly supportive team who work consistently to deliver our core values to be real, be trusted, be just and to be revered. • Personal development: We provide you with a personal development and wellness budget. • Make a dent: Last but not least you’ll have the unique opportunity to help set the direction for this revolutionary technology and truly make an impact that matters!