VP of Quantum Software Engineering

We are seeking an accomplished Vice President of Quantum Software Engineering to lead the architecture, development, and delivery of a complete quantum software stack, spanning high-level applications through to low-level quantum processor control systems.

This role will oversee a talented software engineering organisation and collaborate closely with hardware, quantum architecture, and algorithm teams to deliver a scalable, reliable, and customer-focused software ecosystem.

This is a highly technical and strategic leadership position requiring deep expertise in complex software systems for hybrid quantum processors, strong engineering leadership capabilities, and a solid understanding of classical and quantum computing principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the software architecture and development strategy, including compiler, runtime, and control system initiatives.
• Lead the development of compiler architectures, optimisation algorithms, and compiler logic required for real-time, high-fidelity qubit operations.
• Oversee the design, optimisation, and scaling of a full-stack quantum software platform, including compilers, runtime environments, developer tools, and cloud interfaces.
• Define and drive the software strategy for hybrid quantum-classical computing, enabling seamless integration between classical compute infrastructure and quantum processing units (QPUs).
• Collaborate with quantum architecture and hardware engineering teams on system co-design to maximise qubit performance, fidelity, and scalability.
• Guide software support for scalable quantum error correction (QEC) techniques and logical qubit management.
• Develop simulation, modelling, and benchmarking tools to assess the performance and reliability of fault-tolerant quantum computing systems.
• Partner with scientific and engineering teams to translate quantum research concepts into production-ready software capabilities.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of quantum computing, quantum software, quantum hardware, and quantum algorithms.
• Comprehensive knowledge of fault-tolerant quantum computing concepts, including:
  • Quantum error correction and decoding
  • Error modelling
  • Fault-tolerant gate implementations
  • Logical gate design
  • Magic state distillation
  • Lattice surgery
• Experience with quantum algorithms and compilation approaches for fault-tolerant quantum architectures.
• Research or industry experience in quantum error correction, fault tolerance, quantum error mitigation, or related areas.
• Familiarity with quantum software frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, or TKET.
• Strong knowledge of compiler technologies, including LLVM or comparable compilation frameworks.
• Proficiency in Python and/or other software development languages, with experience in C++ or similar systems programming languages preferred.
• Experience applying machine learning techniques within software or computational systems is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams spanning software engineering, quantum research, hardware engineering, and scientific disciplines.
• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Quantum Information Science, or a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience within a quantum computing company, advanced computing organisation, research laboratory, or major technology company.
• Deep technical understanding of software requirements for dynamic quantum architectures, including compilation strategies for systems with changing connectivity and qubit movement.
• Expertise in software architectures supporting fault-tolerant quantum computing and quantum error correction decoding.
• Experience taking emerging research technologies from concept through engineering implementation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial software engineering experience, including significant technical leadership responsibility.
• Deep understanding of quantum mechanics and quantum computing principles.
• Experience with quantum programming frameworks and classical software development ecosystems.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving ability, and technical decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Proven track record delivering complex technology programmes in fast-moving, innovative environments.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Shenaaz Ahmed