Principal Engineer, QEC Open-Source Software Lead

Job DescriptionJob Description

Seattle, WA, USA | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: $220,000-265,000 USD, DOE

Please note that we are also able to consider this role from our Cambridge, UK office. Please see our separate, Cambridge, UK job posting for more details.

About us

Riverlane’s mission is to make quantum computing useful, sooner. From advances in material science to complex chemistry simulation for drug design and discovery, quantum computers will help solve some of the world’s most important challenges. Riverlane is building the quantum error correction stack, Deltaflow, to make this happen. It’s a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.

We recently raised $75M in Series C funding to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), and are partnering with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault-tolerant quantum computing a reality. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast. 

About the role

As quantum computing enters a new phase—the ‘QEC era’— marked by significant advancements in quantum error correction, it presents new technical challenges and a growing need to empower the next of learners and innovators. 

Riverlane has committed to leading the QEC community into fault-tolerant quantum computing by making a substantial investment in a new open-source tools strategy, complemented by scalable education and enablement. We aim to accelerate advances in QEC research by building out Riverlane’s open-source software (OSS) library and developer APIs to provide critical tools for QEC workflows, such as logical circuit , simulation, decoding and noise modelling. As Riverlane integrates Deltaflow QEC data streaming capabilities into QPU providers, the community will need to upskill to prepare for working with logical qubits and error corrected systems.

Today, QEC research is dominated by three software tools: Stim, PyMatching, and BP-OSD. Various combinations of these allow rapid simulation of QEC protocols, particularly for variants of the surface code. In this role, you will lead the development of new software tools to contribute to this ecosystem, based on learnings from Riverlane’s world-class QEC science mission.

What you will do

The QEC Open-Source Software Lead will take on responsibility for technical and engineering leadership of a small team of engineers to rapidly build and iterate on the software tooling needs of the QEC user community. This high-impact role is an outstanding opportunity to build 0->1 software products that will empower the next of learners and innovators in QEC. 

In this role, you will:

• Develop open source and developer API strategy for QEC experiment workflows and decoders.

• Build an SDK for quantum error correction by gathering requirements from researchers to identify required features and transition research code to open source.

• Manage open-source community efforts, including issue triage, code review, and support.

• Champion a culture where Riverlane can support publishing new research with code examples to accelerate the field.

Requirements

What we need

• Experience in one or more quantum software projects, such as: Stim, Cirq, Qiskit, and/or QASM.

• Significant experience with quantum computing, especially the ability to develop software to compile quantum circuits.

• Knowledge of QEC protocols and their implementation in practice.

• Proficiency in Python.

• Demonstrated leadership ability, and ambition to enable the QEC user community with useful tools.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex ideas with a variety of audiences, in a clear and simple way.

• A passion for learning and a curious mindset.

Even better if you have

• Proven ability as a manager developing high-impact engineering talent.

• Experience in scientific research in one or more of the following areas: quantum error correction, quantum computing, quantum simulation, or quantum information.

• Proficiency in Rust and/or C++.

Benefits

What can you expect from us 

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus scheme, private health insurance, life insurance and a contributory retirement fund. 

• Equity, so that our team can share in the long-term success of Riverlane 

• Generous annual leave, and enhanced family leave 

• A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 20 different   

• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and learning, including an annual training and conference budget  

How to apply 

Please upload a CV and covering letter by clicking 'Apply Now'. Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the job and what skills and experience you can bring to the role. 

We review CVs as we receive them and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match. We do not use closing dates. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this role. We advertised this role on 7th February 2025. 

Location

In some cases, we may be able to consider alternative locations within the US. If this role looks perfect for you, but you are unable to work from Seattle, please let us know in your cover letter.

If you have any queries, please contact jobs@riverlane.com. 

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of , , , , reassignment, or belief, , marital or civil partnership status, or and maternity/paternity. 

Studies have shown that women tend to apply to jobs if they meet all or almost all of the requirements whereas men apply even if they meet only some of the requirements. If that sounds like you then please apply – we are happy to review your application and let you know if we think you might be a good fit. 

If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help.