Senior Product Manager - Open Source Software in Cambridge

Senior Product Manager - Open Source Software in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 68000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of an open-source SDK for quantum error correction.
  • Company: Join Riverlane, a leader in quantum computing innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Diverse team environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of quantum computing while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in B2B product roles and a passion for deep tech.

The predicted salary is between 68000 - 84000 £ per year.

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: £68,000 to £84,000 DOE

We will also consider part-time applications for this role. Please indicate your preferred working schedule in your cover letter.

About us

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, such breakthroughs can never be achieved. Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.

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’re making remarkable progress and growing fast.

About the role

Deltakit is Riverlane’s open-source software development kit (SDK) for QEC which is designed to help researchers build, test and run QEC workflows as the field of quantum computing rapidly evolves. You’ll sit right at the heart of Deltakit, working closely with users, partners and cross-functional teams to deeply understand real-world challenges and translate them into a compelling product direction. You’ll use a blend of user insight, product data and market context to cut through complexity and focus on what matters most.

You’ll own and evolve Deltakit’s strategy and roadmap, bringing together engineering, research, business development and marketing around a shared vision. You’ll strike the balance between bold, long-term ambition and what’s realistically achievable today, helping us build for the future of quantum computing while delivering value right now. Beyond the roadmap, you’ll play a key role in bringing Deltakit to life for the community. From supporting launches to engaging directly with users, you’ll shape how we show up, tell our story, and communicate the product’s value in a way that excites and inspires people to build with it.

What you will do

  • Engage with users, partners and the open-source community to gather insight and feedback
  • Analyse product usage, developer behaviour and the broader ecosystem to inform priorities
  • Define and communicate product vision, strategy and roadmap
  • Prioritise features and improvements to drive developer adoption and engagement
  • Align cross-functional teams and guiding product and technical trade-offs
  • Support launches, user engagement and go-to-market activities
  • Develop product collateral, and ensuring strong documentation and onboarding experiences
  • Monitor delivery progress and adapt plans as needed
  • Drive community engagement and identify opportunities for growth and new use cases

What we need

  • Experience working in a B2B product role, or a closely related position with ownership of product direction and prioritisation
  • Experience operating in a deep tech environment with complex, evolving problems
  • A degree in engineering or science, or equivalent practical experience
  • Confidence going technically deep to understand product capabilities, limitations and real-world usage
  • The ability to navigate complex trade-offs and shape product strategies that balance user value with feasibility
  • High emotional intelligence, with strong active listening, critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills
  • The ability to work cross-functionally, influencing without authority and building trusted relationships
  • Comfort working in ambiguity and adapting direction in a fast-paced, evolving environment
  • Excitement for building a product in a new space within technology
  • Excellent communication, presentation and documentation skills, with the ability to tailor your style to different audiences
  • A proactive mindset, able to identify opportunities and take initiative to drive improvements

Even better if you have

  • Experience working on open-source software products
  • Experience building software products that interface with hardware products
  • Experience shipping developer tools (SDKs, libraries, APIs, or CLIs)
  • Some exposure to quantum computing

What can you 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

How to apply

Please upload a CV and covering letter by clicking 'Apply'. 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.

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 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 of 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.

Senior Product Manager - Open Source Software in Cambridge employer: Riverlane

Riverlane is an exceptional employer located in Cambridge, UK, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters collaboration among experts in quantum computing. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Riverlane provides comprehensive benefits, including equity options, generous annual leave, and a focus on continuous learning through training and conference opportunities. Join us to be part of groundbreaking research in quantum error correction while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.

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Contact Details:

Riverlane Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Product Manager - Open Source Software in Cambridge

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 Riverlane 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

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Product Manager - Open Source Software in Cambridge

B2B Product Management
Open Source Software Development
Technical Understanding of Product Capabilities
Product Vision and Strategy Definition
Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
User Engagement and Community Building
Analytical Skills

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 Riverlane.

Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Riverlane 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 Riverlane

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 Riverlane 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.