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, and we have recently closed our Series C funding of $160 million.

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 110+ is based in the UK (Oxford and London), Australia (Sydney), Spain (San Sebastián) and the US.

Our Team

The role will require the individual to maintain and develop in-house software stack for efficient data acquisition and analysis by hardware 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. The role will engage tightly with the Quantum Hardware Team, who specialise in designing, validating and operating quantum processors based on silicon industrial technology.

This role forms part of our investment in state-of-the art facilities in Sydney, Australia. It reflects our commitment to driving innovation and collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the quantum industry, and additionally taps into Australia’s strongest semiconductor and cryogenic ecosystem. Our mission is global and this is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a team which is shaping the future of quantum computing.

As part of our lean, high-impact and rapidly growing team, you will be working closely with our scientists, engineers and experts in a dynamic environment to make the site run smoothly and compliantly from day one, dedicated to contributing to the development of scalable quantum computers based on silicon technology.

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

• Assist in the characterisation and validation of quantum dots for use in quantum computing applications

• Contribute to the design of scalable quantum dot-based quantum circuits

• 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

• Bachelor's or Master's 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

Benefits

• Be part of a creative, world-leading team

• Competitive salary and share options scheme

• Region-specific benefits (e.g. Health Insurance)

• Choose your own laptop/kit

• Flexible working

• Central Sydney location

EEO Statement Quantum Motion is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy, maternity or breastfeeding, race, colour, national extraction or social origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, family or carer responsibilities, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws (including the UK Equality Act 2010 and the Australian Fair Work Act 2009).