Senior Software Engineer - Control Systems

ABOUT OQC
At Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) we build quantum computers to enable life-changing discoveries: from new drug modelisation to longer-lasting battery technology and portfolio optimisation. We have launched Europe’s first Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) – to bring quantum to our customers’ fingertips and help them improve their operations and trailblaze new commercial and scientific approaches.

Our team is composed of 90+ people with various backgrounds in quantum physics, nanotechnologies, hardware, software and business operations from marketing to intellectual property. We are all bound by the desire to put OQC at the forefront of the quantum revolution and help solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.

ROLE OVERVIEW
Oxford Quantum Circuits, as a full-stack hardware provider, designs, builds and operates quantum computers. A critical component of the computer is the control system which is responsible for generating and analysing the microwave pulses necessary for controlling the qubits. Enabling users with no knowledge of software to program the system is complex and requires a multi-layered software stack to translate an abstract, high-level quantum program (circuit) into a low level set of assembly instructions that the physical hardware understands. As a Senior Software Engineer in the control systems team, you will help bridge the gap between the software compiler, responsible for the high level translation, and the low level assembly consumed by the hardware.

No prior experience of quantum computing is necessary to fulfil the requirements of this role, but you will need an excellent understanding of software development, low-level programming, and of developing and executing exploratory and automated tests to ensure product quality.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take responsibility for the development of the software that integrates the control hardware into the higher level software stack
• Collaborate with internal teams to create and improve software solutions for controlling quantum computers
• Develop and deliver projects to timescales defined by internal roadmaps
• Apply software engineering practices to ensure that our developments provide correct functionality and performance.
• Maintain and incrementally improve existing services based on technical and business led requirements.
• Work with a wide range of stakeholders on a day to day basis
• Shape best practices in a growing organisation.
• Mentor and manage more junior members of a growing team.

LOCATION & TRAVEL

OQC’s office is located in Shinfield, Reading. There will be a requirement for occasional travel throughout the UK and elsewhere abroad for conferences, meetings and engineering visits.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Significant experience of software development in industry
• Mentoring and leadership skills
• Experience of working with different software lifecycle methodologies
• In depth knowledge of Agile software development
• Degree in a software engineering / computer science or similar
• Architecture and design skills on large-scale software developments
• Extensive knowledge of Python with a working knowledge of scientific python libraries
• Excellent knowledge of C/C++ and other low level programming languages
• Experience designing low-level device drivers, embedded software or other systems with close integration of software and hardware
• Excellent knowledge of QA as applied to software and products

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• An appreciation of modern compilers (e.g. Clang, LLVM, GCC, etc.), and optimisation methods used within (control flow analysis, data flow analysis, value numbering, etc.)
• Experience designing software for RF / SDR applications
• Knowledge of various communication protocols, I/O standards

APPLY NOW!
Please apply via the link provided. As part of our application process, it will be helpful if you also provide us with a cover letter outlining why you think you would be a good fit for the role and what attracts you to OQC.
We look forward to hearing from you!

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £45,000.00-£60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Wellness programme
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Reading

Reference ID: CHW11