Senior Software Engineer – Back-end

Q-CTRL

full-time

Posted on: 10/9/2025

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Los Angeles • California • 🇺🇸 United States

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💰 $135,000 - $213,000 per year

Senior

GraphQLGRPCPython

About the role

Build the backbone of quantum tech: Design, develop, and optimize scalable backend services in Python.
Own the compiler stack: Maintain and evolve the compiler that translates OpenQASM3 + OpenPulse programs into low-level controller instructions.
Bridge research and engineering: Work closely with world-class researchers and quantum engineers, translating experimental needs into production-ready code and debugging real-world execution challenges.
Experiment on quantum hardware: Get hands-on with QPUs, validating compiler output and controller behaviors through real device experiments.
Engineer for performance: Deliver high-efficiency service-to-service communication using modern protocols (gRPC, GraphQL, REST).
Raise the bar on quality: Shape and enforce best practices for clean, secure, and reliable code while contributing to robust testing and documentation.
Shape the future stack: Help define the software practices, tools, and design patterns that will power the next generation of quantum control systems.
Deliver end-to-end solutions: Collaborate with product, frontend, and infrastructure teams to ship integrated solutions used across Q-CTRL’s products.
Other duties within the Employee's skills and experience, or with reasonable training.

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
3+ years of backend software development experience with Python.
Proven experience writing maintainable, testable code in a professional setting.
Proven ability to mentor junior team members and accelerate their contributions.
Strong collaboration and communication skills across cross-functional teams.
Experience with quantum hardware control systems (or similar) or pulse-level programming (e.g., OpenQASM3, Qiskit Pulse, Qua).
A track record of leading or mentoring in technical projects, particularly in early-stage or research and development-heavy environments.

Benefits

Flexibility: We embrace workplace flexibility so you worry more about your impact vs a rigid work schedule.
Attractive salary: You’ll get to have the start-up impact without the start-up wages.
Equity: We want people to have a sense of ownership in what they do and offer the potential for equity share and annual bonuses.
Cash bonus: We recognize exceptional performance and impact by offering annual discretionary cash bonuses.
Resources: We are well funded by the world’s best technology investors, letting us chase our ambitions with minimal constraints.
Parental support: We offer paid parental leave to support you and your loved ones.
Diversity: We’re an equal opportunity employer and actively support initiatives like the ‘Global Women in Quantum’ program to help expand the quantum workforce.
Unique culture: You’ll be surrounded by some of the world’s leading physicists, engineers, product, marketing and design people (to name a few!) with a strong desire to learn and transfer knowledge.
Meaningful values: You’ll work with an incredibly supportive team who work consistently to deliver our core values to be real, be trusted, be just and to be revered.
Personal development: We provide you with a personal development and wellness budget.
Make a dent: Last but not least you’ll have the unique opportunity to help set the direction for this revolutionary technology and truly make an impact that matters!

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Pythonbackend developmentOpenQASM3OpenPulsegRPCGraphQLRESTquantum hardware control systemspulse-level programmingtestable code

mentoringcollaborationcommunicationproblem-solvingleadership

Bachelor’s degree in Computer ScienceBachelor’s degree in Engineering