Principal Scientific Software Engineer - Quantum Error Correction

Summary

QuEra Computing Inc. seeks a Principal Scientific Software Engineer to lead the development of QuEra's quantum error correction (QEC) software stack. In this role, you will define the technical direction for circuit-level QEC compilation, mentor and lead a team of engineers, and drive the architecture of our error-corrected quantum compiler pipeline built on Kirin — QuEra's in-house SSA-based compiler infrastructure featuring an MLIR-inspired dialect design with multi-stage programming capabilities. You will work at the boundary between high-level error-corrected circuit representations and lower-level compilation stages such as atom shuttling and pulse programming, collaborating closely with hardware, theory, and systems teams to deliver a production-quality QEC software stack for neutral-atom quantum processors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of QuEra's quantum error correction (QEC) software stack, spanning from logical circuit descriptions through syndrome extraction, decoding, and physical operation scheduling.
• Define the software architecture for circuit-level QEC compilation, including code selection, magic state generation scheduling, logical gate synthesis, fault-tolerant circuit transformations, and decoder development.
• Mentor and lead a team of engineers and cross-functional contributors in building a cohesive, well-tested QEC software stack.
• Collaborate with teams responsible for lower-level compiler stages — atom shuttling optimization, zoned architecture layout, and pulse-level programming — to ensure seamless integration across the full compilation pipeline and real time decoding.
• Collaborate with QEC scientists on research topics, such as hardware-efficient error correction, logical gate protocols, and decoding algorithms, contributing to research publications and quantum hardware demonstrations, and turn new research outputs into QEC software requirements and implementations.
• Drive technical decisions on intermediate representations, analysis passes, and optimization strategies for error-corrected circuits within the SSA-based, multi-dialect compiler framework.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, or a related field with a focus on quantum error correction, compiler development, or quantum computing, plus at least 5 years of industry experience or equivalent.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantum error correction theory and implementation (e.g., surface codes, qLDPC codes, fault-tolerant gate constructions, magic state generations).
• Strong experience with compiled languages and their type systems (C++, Julia, Rust, Haskell, OCaml, or similar), with proficiency in SSA-based intermediate representations or compiler infrastructure development.
• Strong track record of technical leadership — mentoring engineers, setting architectural directions, and delivering complex software systems.
• Knowledge of the full software development lifecycle, including version control, code review, testing, CI/CD, and documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research publications in quantum error correction or fault-tolerant quantum computation, with contributions to open-source quantum computing projects or equivalent industry software experience in quantum error correction.
• Experience with LLVM, MLIR, symbolic rewrite systems, or similar experience in symbolic computation development.
• Familiarity with neutral-atom quantum computing architectures and their compilation considerations (e.g., atom shuttling, zoned architectures, reconfigurable connectivity).
• Experience with Rust programming language.
• Experience building or contributing to quantum compiler toolchains or QEC simulation frameworks.
• Experience developing error correction-oriented simulation software.
• Familiarity with Python semantics, Python type hints, and CPython internals.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $120.000.00 - $202,000.00.

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly.  We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience.  In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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