Software Tech Lead in Cambridge

Software Tech Lead in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 90000 - 115000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Riverlane

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of a groundbreaking quantum error correction software stack.
  • Company: Join Riverlane, a leader in quantum computing innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive work environment with excellent growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of technology and quantum computing.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leading teams and strong software skills, especially in C++.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 115000 £ per year.

Cambridge, UK | Full-time or Part-time | Permanent (or Temporary) | Hybrid

Salary: £90,000 to £115,000 DOE

The salary range for this role is broad, as we are able to consider varying levels of experience. Any offer made will carefully take into account level of experience (including relevant industry experience), transferable relevant skills and previous relevant achievements. 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

Riverlane's overarching mission is making quantum computing useful sooner. Different quantum architectures require different solutions to quantum error correction. We are seeking a technical leader for our new software-based quantum error correction stack, DF-AMO. DF-AMO targets scalability whilst preserving the flexibility required to support Atomic Molecular Optical (AMO) systems (Ion Traps, Cold Atoms). It is designed to be driven by Deltakit, our software SDK, and complement Deltaflow, our solid-state systems solution.

What you will do

  • As Technical Lead for DF-AMO, you will own the technical development of this new product, working closely with engineering, research, product, and customer teams.
  • You will turn our industry-leading decoding technology into a scalable, production-ready system, helping shape both the technical roadmap and future product direction.
  • You will evaluate technical trade-offs to manage system performance, maintainability and scalability, in a domain where latency and throughput are key requirements.
  • You will mentor and develop a growing team of 5+ engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and delivery.

What we need

  • Proven experience in leading small to medium technical efforts (5+ people)
  • Excellent software skills, particularly in C++, with Python experience also being beneficial
  • Comfortable learning quantum error correction fundamentals to enable close collaboration with our QEC research teams
  • Experience delivering complex software products from concept through to deployment and customer adoption
  • Experience line managing other engineers
  • Strong ability to collaborate and communicate with a diverse team
  • Expert-level understanding in at least one of the following areas:
    • Performant multi-process software
    • Modern compiler infrastructures
    • GPU-accelerated 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

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.

GDPR notice: Riverlane collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details.

Software Tech Lead in Cambridge employer: Riverlane

Riverlane is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead pioneering research in quantum computing within the vibrant academic and tech hub of Cambridge. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity, employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes bonuses and equity, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a cutting-edge field.

Riverlane

Contact Details:

Riverlane Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Software Tech Lead 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

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 Riverlane.

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 Riverlane.

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 Riverlane 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 Software Tech Lead in Cambridge

Technical Leadership
C++ Programming
Python Programming
Quantum Error Correction Fundamentals
Software Development Lifecycle
Team Management
Collaboration 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.