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