Senior Software Engineer - Open Source Cambridge, UK

Riverlane’s mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry’s defining technical challenge, breakthroughs can never be achieved. Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology, having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our cutting‑edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC). Riverlane partners with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault‑tolerant quantum computing a reality. We are making remarkable progress and growing fast.

About the role: At Riverlane, our mission is to make it possible for anyone to write and run fault‑tolerant programs on a quantum computer. A key part of that mission is Deltakit, our open‑source, user‑facing platform for building, simulating and interpreting QEC experiments. As a Senior Software Engineer, you will own and lead the development of Deltakit, shaping its direction and ensuring it evolves to meet the needs of a growing and highly technical user community.

What you will do:

• Lead significant parts of both the internal and external software stack for error‑corrected quantum computing systems.
• Turn internal tools into external and public ones; own the complete software cycle process: design, development, testing, builds, workflows, releases.
• Mentor, guide and lead engineers in the team.
• Lead collaboration with other engineering teams to integrate their software and hardware artifacts with Deltakit.
• Engage with the community of users and researchers to identify needs and formulate adequate responses.
• Contribute actively to open‑source projects and lead the Deltakit open‑source community.
• Organise and run workshops and tutorials for the community of users.

What we need:

• Strong technical foundation (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics or similar).
• Experience designing and building high‑quality scientific or technical software, primarily in Python.
• Ability to translate complex, research‑driven concepts into robust, scalable and user‑friendly solutions.
• Broad understanding of software systems (e.g. compilers, operating systems, computer architecture).
• Experience shipping software to users and maintaining high engineering standards.
• Curiosity and a strong drive to learn and solve complex problems.
• Collaborative mindset, with experience working across diverse teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to shape technical direction, drive best practices, and support others through mentorship and leadership.
• Interest in contributing to the quantum open‑source ecosystem.

Even better if you have:

• Experience with a strongly typed language (e.g. C++ or Rust).

What you can expect from us:

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, and a contributory pension scheme.
• Equity, so that our team can share in the long‑term success of Riverlane.
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays 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 nationalities.
• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and development, including a regular programme of learning events and training and conference budgets.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity. Women and other underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a role unless they meet all or nearly all the requirements. If this applies to you, we still encourage you to apply – you may be a great fit, even if you don’t meet every single qualification. We’d love to hear from you. 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.