Quantum Applications Software Developer

Quantum computing holds the promise of humanity’s mastery over the natural world, but only if we can build a real quantum computer. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the first real, useful quantum computers, capable of delivering the world-changing applications that the technology has long promised. We know that means we will need to build a system with roughly 1 million qubits that supports fault tolerant error correction within a scalable architecture, and a data center footprint.

By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today’s most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more.

PsiQuantum has determined the fastest path to delivering a useful quantum computer, years earlier than the rest of the industry. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components at Tier-1 semiconductor fabs such as GlobalFoundries where we leverage high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are already producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. We also benefit from the quantum mechanics reality that photons don’t feel heat or electromagnetic interference, allowing us to take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems and industry standard fiber connectivity.

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced two government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first Quantum Data Centers and utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia and Chicago, Illinois. Both projects are backed by nations that understand quantum computing’s potential impact and the need to scale this technology to unlock that potential. And we won’t just be building the hardware, but also the fault tolerant quantum applications that will provide industry-transforming results.

Quantum computing is not just an evolution of the decades-old advancement in compute power. It provides the key to mastering our future, not merely discovering it. The potential is enormous, and we have the plan to make it real. Come join us.

There’s much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey!

Job Summary:

PsiQuantum’s applications team is uniquely focused on algorithms in the fault tolerant regime and is very tightly integrated with quantum architecture development. Within that team, the role of a quantum applications software engineer is to design, build and deploy tools which drive the development of quantum applications for solving the world’s most pressing problems. As a crucial member within the team, a quantum application software engineer’s job is to work closely with quantum applications architects and engineers to develop software toolkits and workflows, without which the team could not do their job. Such tools include (but are not limited to): quantum simulators, quantum resource estimators, quantum circuit compilation, and domain-specific quantum application integration. This work takes quantum algorithms from concept to reality, may involve close collaboration with external partners on specific use cases, and directly enables the discovery of both new quantum application use-cases and novel algorithmic techniques.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of quantum applications software tools to support both internal and external users.


• Maintain, service and upgrade a high-quality codebase supported by a fast and reliable simulation infrastructure.


• Work closely with internal and external partners and other members of the quantum applications team to design, implement and analyze quantum algorithms for real-world use cases.


• Assist with full system analysis to evaluate and optimize resource requirements for fault tolerant computations.


• Assist with the optimization of quantum algorithms at the subroutine, circuit, and compiled gate-set level. 

Experience/Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in Physics, Math, or Computer Science or equivalent required (MSc or PhD). 


• Practical experience in quantum computing, programming quantum applications, or quantum circuit compilation.


• 5+ years professional experience programming and releasing production code in Python, C++, or similar languages.


• Experience with quantum algorithms or compiling in the regime of fault tolerant gates preferred.


• Experience with deployment of code in distributed environments, cloud application development, and RESTful API-driven architectures.


• A results-driven “doer”, preferably with experience in a high-throughput, rapid-delivery work environment.


• A problem solver, with an analytical mindset. 


• Proven team player with an ability to work effectively across departments, sites, and time zones.


• Ability to work independently and contribute in fast-moving start-up environment.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to View email address on jobs.jobcopilot.com .

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located.   Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

U.S. Base Pay Range

$140,000—$160,000 USD

Bay Area Pay Range

$170,000—$185,000 USD