Senior Principal Researcher, Languages and Compilers

Just like with classical computers, quantum computers need a full stack of software to execute quantum programs. We’re looking for a Principal Researcher for our small Languages and Compiler team. We will look upon this person to help lead and mentor an effort that is cross-organizational and collaborative to architect and deliver our next-generation compiler and lower-level runtime and systems software stack for our quantum computers.
The ideal candidate will have experience leading or contributing to multiple simultaneous product development efforts, projects, and initiatives. You’ll have excellent interpersonal skills, and be able to balance technical expertise and savvy with strong business judgment to make great technology choices. You’ll strive for simplicity and demonstrate significant creativity and incisive judgment.
Day-to-day tasks for this role may include design and implementation of compiler features and optimizations, developing code generation techniques for novel hardware platforms, and mentoring and directing staff and working with hardware teams on future design considerations. In your first three months, you’ll be defining the architecture for our future compiler platform.

Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of our current quantum compiler (improvement, maintenance, testing, deployment)
• Participate in the design and develop, test, deploy, and maintain our next generation quantum compiler and runtime stack
• Ensure the quality of this stack’s architecture through code and design reviews
• Work with scientists to deliver world-class quantum circuit optimizations
• Help hire team members
• Assist in the career development of others, providing mentorship on advanced technical issues
• Help the industry define the next intermediate representation standards for quantum computing
• Collaborate with experienced interdisciplinary teams
• Help us continuously improve how we do things

You’d be a good fit with:

• Masters in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience with a background in programming language (PL) theory
• 15+ years experience developing scalable systems software
• 10+ years experience in technical leadership
• 5+ years of experience with systems programming languages, such as C/C++ or Rust or equivalents
• Proven experience in compiler/runtime internals, e.g., JVM
• A skill and passion for defining intermediate representations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A love of collaborating in an interdisciplinary environment

You’d be a great fit with:

• PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or Quantum Computing, with PL work
• Experience in linear algebra or related mathematics
• Experience with scientific programming applications and languages (HPC), e.g., FORTRAN
• Familiarity with quantum information science