Software Engineer, Back-End

Overview Software Engineer, Back-end (Boulder Opal) at Q-CTRLJoin to apply for the Software Engineer, Back-end (Boulder Opal) role at Q-CTRL.About Q-CTRL Founded in 2017, Q-CTRL has grown to become the global leader in quantum.
We're using control to solve the hardest problems facing quantum technology, improving hardware performance and accelerating pathways to useful quantum computers and other technologies.
As a product-led company, we bring together diverse teams such as product, design, engineering and research to help achieve our mission of making quantum technology useful.
Join us to help shape the quantum future.About The Role As a Software Engineer on the Boulder Opal team, you will work with engineers and researchers to design and build a scalable, high-performance backend system while directly contributing to our quantum controller infrastructure.
A key part of your role is maintaining and evolving the compiler stack that translates OpenQASM3 + OpenPulse programs for low-level quantum controllers, bridging the gap between high-level quantum programming and physical execution on QPUs.
You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensuring end-to-end delivery of cutting-edge solutions that power our SDKs and cloud-based offerings.
This role suits someone passionate about backend engineering and systems-level programming with an interest in quantum computing and scientific software.What you'll be doing Build the backbone of quantum tech: Design, develop, and optimize scalable backend services in Python (with opportunities to work in Rust or C++)Own the compiler stack: Maintain and evolve the compiler that translates OpenQASM3 + OpenPulse programs into low-level controller instructionsBridge research and engineering: Work with researchers and quantum engineers, translating experimental needs into production-ready code and debugging real-world execution challengesExperiment on quantum hardware: Validate compiler output and controller behaviors through real device experimentsEngineer for performance: Deliver high-efficiency service-to-service communication using modern protocols (gRPC, GraphQL, REST)Raise the bar on quality: Enforce best practices for clean, secure, and reliable code with robust testing and documentationShape the future stack: Help define software practices, tools, and design patterns for the next generation of quantum control systemsDeliver end-to-end solutions: Collaborate with product, frontend, and infrastructure teams to ship integrated solutions used across Q-CTRL productsOther duties within the employee's skills and experience, or with reasonable trainingIdeally you'll have Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field3+ years of backend software development experience with Python, Rust, C++, or similarProven experience writing maintainable, testable Python code in a professional settingStrong collaboration and communication skills across cross-functional teamsStrong problem-solving skills with a proactive, solutions-focused mindsetIt would be fantastic (but not essential) if you bring A curiosity for compiler design concepts or experience with intermediate representations (IRs)Familiarity with OpenQASM3, OpenPulse, Qiskit, or other quantum programming frameworksHands-on experience with modern APIs like gRPC, GraphQL, or RESTComfortable working with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and cloud infrastructure toolsKnowledge of distributed systems, microservices, or database scaling techniquesFamiliarity with Python web frameworks (Django, Flask, FastAPI)Experience with data visualization tools (Plotly, Dash, Jupyter)Experience thriving in a startup or scale-up environmentExperience designing efficient algorithms, statistical models, or data pipelines for large-scale experimental datasetsExperience with CPython extension modules for accelerating Python programsWhy Q-CTRL?
Flexibility: We embrace workplace flexibilityCompetitive salary with equity and annual bonusesParental support: Paid parental leaveDiversity: Equal opportunity employer with programs to expand the quantum workforceUnique culture: Collaboration among physicists, engineers, product, marketing and designPersonal development: Personal development and wellness budgetImpact: Opportunity to help shape the direction of quantum technologyPlease note: Q-CTRL communications will only come from the @q-ctrl.com domain.
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We do not accept unsolicited branded profiles from recruitment agencies.Seniority level Not ApplicableEmployment type Full-timeJob function Engineering and Information TechnologyIndustries Software Development#J-18808-Ljbffr