At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop software for quantum systems, enhancing performance and reliability through innovative calibration tools.
- Company: Join OQC, a pioneering tech company transforming quantum computing into reality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unique lab access, and a culture of bold innovation.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for research and career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a world-class team redefining the future of computation.
- Qualifications: Strong Python skills and a background in physics or computer science required.
At OQC, we aren’t just theorising about the future; we’re building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we’ve successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started and we’ve recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round – the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe.
The Purpose
Your mission is to advance the performance and reliability of quantum systems by building software that enables efficient calibration and benchmarking. You’ll help turn complex quantum workflows into scalable, production-quality tools that keep our quantum computers running at their best.
The Role
You’ll work at the intersection of quantum physics, software engineering, and data-driven optimisation. As part of our calibration teams, you’ll build core components of OQC’s quantum calibration stack, collaborating closely with engineers and researchers to design, develop, and deploy software that supports system bring‑up, daily calibration, and ongoing performance improvement.
What You’ll Be Working On
- Own quantum software projects end to end, from requirements through to deployment.
- Design and build components for system bring‑up, daily calibration, and benchmarking workflows.
- Use data to create novel procedures and inform calibration workflow decisions.
- Debug and resolve issues across development and production environments.
- Collaborate through pair programming, code reviews, and shared technical problem‑solving.
- Build scalable software solutions that help engineers conduct research and operate quantum systems reliably.
- Contribute to research, innovation, and knowledge sharing across OQC and the wider quantum community.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong Python programming experience and familiarity with modern software engineering practices.
- Solid computer science fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures, and systems design.
- Experience designing and delivering complex software systems from concept to production.
- Ability to debug complex systems and take ownership of production‑quality code.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Degree‑level knowledge in physics, computer science, or a related numerical discipline.
- Knowledge of quantum computing principles, especially benchmarking, calibration, verification, or validation; and/or experience in data science, data engineering, or machine learning applied to areas such as reinforcement learning, digital twins, or black‑box optimisation.
The ‘Nice‑to‑Haves’
- Hands‑on experience working with quantum computers or quantum software stacks.
- Experience developing algorithms or protocols for quantum systems, particularly in benchmarking, calibration, verification, and validation.
- Background in quantum theory.
- Experience with distributed systems, message brokers, or data streaming tools.
- Contributions to research, publications, or conference presentations in quantum technologies.
- Postgraduate qualification, such as an MSc or PhD, in a relevant field.
Why Join OQC?
You will join a world‑class team at the forefront of the next computational era. We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation.
Quantum Software Engineer (Calibration Team) in Reading employer: Oxford Quantum Circuits
At OQC, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of quantum computing innovation, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a Configuration Engineer, you'll not only contribute to groundbreaking technology but also benefit from a culture that prioritises employee growth, with opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience in both engineering and operations. Our commitment to excellence is matched by our supportive team atmosphere, making OQC an exceptional place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantum Software Engineer (Calibration Team) in Reading
✨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 Oxford Quantum Circuits 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 Oxford Quantum Circuits.
✨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 Oxford Quantum Circuits.
✨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 Oxford Quantum Circuits 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 Quantum Software Engineer (Calibration Team) in Reading
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 Oxford Quantum Circuits.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Oxford Quantum Circuits 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 Oxford Quantum Circuits
✨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 Oxford Quantum Circuits 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.
