Research Software Engineer
Quantum Motion Technologies · Sydney, Australia ·
- Work mode
- Hybrid
- Category
- Software engineering
- Experience
- 1+ years
- Company size
- 51-200
Research Software Engineer in Sydney building and maintaining Quantum Motion's in-house software stack for data acquisition, instrument control, and automation of quantum processor characterisation. Day-to-day is Python development, refactoring, testing, and working closely with hardware teams; no quantum physics background required.
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).
About us
Quantum Motion is a fast-growing quantum computing scale-up based in London founded by internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University with over 40 years’ experience in developing qubits and quantum computing architectures. Bringing together state-of-the-art cryogenic facilities and an outstanding interdisciplinary team, we are developing quantum processors based on industrial-grade silicon chips, with the potential to radically transform computing power in areas such as materials modelling, medicine, artificial intelligence and more.