Research Software Engineer / Senior Research Software Engineer (Fixed Term)

Research Software Engineer / Senior Research Software Engineer (Fixed Term)

Full-Time No working from home possible
Infleqtion

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Architect and develop software for cutting-edge quantum technologies.
  • Company: Join Infleqtion, a global leader in quantum technology innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, unlimited PTO, and a generous pension contribution.
  • Other info: Flexible working policy and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of quantum computing and sensors.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in scientific software development with Python and compiled languages.

Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world’s most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables “quantum everywhere” through our ecosystem of devices and platforms. Our mission is to commercialise atom-based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in performance and computing applications.

This is a full-time position in our Kidlington and Harwell offices. Our flexible working policy enables all full-time employees to work up to 2 days a week from home as work permits.

Infleqtion is seeking a Senior Research Software Engineer to architect and develop software across the full quantum control stack, enabling high-performance operation of both quantum computers and quantum sensors. This role spans low-level hardware integration, real-time control systems, waveform generation, calibration automation, experiment orchestration, and scalable data pipelines. You will work at the boundary between physics and production software, partnering with physicists and hardware engineers to translate experimental requirements into robust, deterministic, and extensible control infrastructure. The ideal candidate brings deep systems programming expertise, experience with hardware-adjacent or real-time systems, and a strong foundation in scientific or high-performance computing, with a passion for building the core software that drives next-generation quantum technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including scientists, opto-mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers, to solve complex problems and deliver high-quality software solutions.
  • Empower interdisciplinary teams to create the tools they need by teaching engineering and programming best practices.
  • Lead code and design reviews, upholding engineering best practices and promoting a culture of quality and collaboration.
  • Advocate for and implement innovative software development methodologies and tools to improve team efficiency and product quality.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics or related field and a minimum of 5 years prior work experience in a scientific domain.
  • Experience with Python and at least one compiled language, with a desire to learn and work in Rust.
  • Experience with Linux and virtualization technologies like Docker.
  • Good collaboration skills, able to work in a team environment where engagement and participation are an expected part of successful job performance.
  • Skilled in typical software engineering disciplines: testing, debugging, version control, error-handling, readability, documentation, general code health, etc.
  • Domain-specific experience in statistics, machine learning, or AMO physics.
  • Experience with image analysis, emphasis on realtime object detection.
  • Experience with databases (relational and non-relational) including but not limited to timeseries data, SQL, and ETL processes.
  • Experience creating and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, and Python package creation with C or Rust extensions.
  • Experience developing basic GUIs and/or web front-end applications.

Regardless of your interest in the quantum industry, you can take pride in the fact that Infleqtion is building an ecosystem of quantum technologies and commercial products, driving the industry towards the future. We would love to chat with you and see how you could bring great value to our team. Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin colour, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs.

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

  • Competitive salary
  • Generous company 10% pension contribution regardless of employee contribution
  • Unlimited PTO
  • BUPA healthcare after probation period
  • Cycle to work and Technology scheme

Research Software Engineer / Senior Research Software Engineer (Fixed Term) employer: Infleqtion

Infleqtion is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives and employees are encouraged to push the boundaries of quantum technology. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values diversity and collaboration, Infleqtion provides a unique opportunity for Quantum Software Engineers to contribute to groundbreaking advancements while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace in the vibrant locations of Kidlington and Harwell.

Infleqtion

Contact Details:

Infleqtion Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Software Engineer / Senior Research Software Engineer (Fixed Term)

Join Local Tech Meetups

Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Infleqtion or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!

Contribute to Open Source Projects

Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Infleqtion.

Tap into Online Developer Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Infleqtion.

Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Infleqtion that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!

We think you need these skills to ace Research Software Engineer / Senior Research Software Engineer (Fixed Term)

Systems Programming
Real-Time Systems
Scientific Computing
Python
Compiled Languages
Rust
Linux

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.

Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Infleqtion.

Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Infleqtion and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!

Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!

How to prepare for a job interview at Infleqtion

Brush Up on Your Coding Skills

For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.

Know Your Tools and Frameworks

Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Infleqtion uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.

Showcase Your Projects

Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.