Team Lead, SDK and Compiler

Team Lead, SDK and Compiler
( Permanent position, 40 hours per week )
Contact: (819) 975-4654, [email protected] 

About Nord Quantique

At Nord Quantique, we strive to build impactful technology by relentlessly pushing our understanding of quantum science. We are an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, innovators, builders, and enthusiasts on a mission to make quantum computing a reality. Our quantum processors are designed to reduce errors in quantum computation to facilitate long-term scaling toward fully-fledged quantum computers. We believe it is our responsibility to deliver this transformative technology for the greater good of society.

Located at the heart of the beautiful Eastern Townships region in the province of Quebec, Canada, we develop our technology in the vibrant quantum ecosystem of Sherbrooke. Leaning on more than a decade of vertical integration of quantum hardware, we are leveraging a comprehensive pool of quantum technology and micro-electronic infrastructure to deploy our quantum computing technology.

Our current needs

As part of our continued growth, we are seeking a new leader to guide a core area of our well-established software team and help shape its next chapter. While technical expertise remains important, we are especially looking for someone who thrives by supporting others and championing a vision — someone who can create an environment where software developers are empowered and motivated to contribute to Nord Quantique’s software stack.

Team Lead, SDK and Compiler’s mission is to design, develop and maintain the SDK and compilation stack of Nord Quantique’s quantum computers, defining the user programming environment, backend-agnostic intermediate representations, and execution engine that targets both experimental hardware and simulation backends. By building and maintaining robust and scalable software solutions, we support the advancement of the company’s R&D efforts. The team also plays a role in promoting best coding practices across teams and in providing training for the tools that we create. It is part of the larger Software Platform team, which will eventually contain two other teams: the Calibration & Device Intelligence Team, as well as the Operations & Infrastructure team.

The Team Lead, SDK and Compiler is the person providing the vision for all of this to happen. We are looking for someone who can bring clarity and insight at three levels: 

• Within the SDK & Compiler team — inspiring and guiding the team members to accomplish the many projects that are part of the roadmap;
• Across the larger Software Platform team — foreseeing future needs from other teams and supporting the development and integration of software solutions for them;
• Outside Nord Quantique — collaborating with external partners to accelerate Nord Quantique’s roadmap.

We support learning and growth within the role and value leadership experience from a range of backgrounds. Success in this role depends not only on technical guidance, but on building trust, fostering open communication, and sustaining a shared sense of purpose within the team.

Keys responsibilities:

• Lead and support the day-to-day work of the SDK & Compiler team, ensuring that each team member has what they need to thrive — technically, professionally, and with care for their well-being.
• Foster a motivating, respectful, and collaborative environment within the team and across interfaces with other teams and partners.
• Support the team’s growth through mentoring, recruitment, and skill development.
• Lead and coordinate SDK- and compiler-related software development projects to ensure alignment with Nord Quantique’s roadmap and the needs of other teams.
• Interface with external partners and consultants to align Nord Quantique’s software needs with their capabilities and deliverables.

The selected candidate will operate within a highly dynamic environment and will have the opportunity to contribute to the management and operation of a key component of Nord Quantique’s roadmap.

Education and experience requirements:

• Master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience leading software development projects in a R&D or industrial setting.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in quantum-adjacent software development.
• Experience scaling and maturing software products, from initial design and prototyping to stable, fully deployed solutions.

Sought expertise and knowledge:

• Ability to build, mentor, and lead a collaborative software development team.
• Ability to translate strategic objectives into clear priorities, project plans, and actionable development roadmaps.
• Ability to prioritize and allocate development resources effectively.
• Overall understanding of the quantum computing software stack.
• Strong understanding of scalable, maintainable system design and modern software architecture.
• Expertise in Python.
• Fluent in English.
• Intermediate knowledge of French, an asset.

Sought profile:

• Ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Leadership grounded in empathy and respect for individual growth.
• Clear and inclusive communication across diverse technical teams.
• Comfort managing large-scale projects and aligning execution with evolving priorities.
• Strong ability to maintain a high-level vision of the various modules within Nord Quantique’s software stack.
• Ability to build, embody and communicate Nord Quantique’s vision
• Commitment to advancing quantum computing and building meaningful technology.

Nord Quantique is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in its training, workplaces, and activities. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and traditionally marginalized groups.

Working at Nord Quantique

At Nord Quantique, you will be part of something special: working in a highly dynamic environment at the forefront of quantum technology development while benefiting from a vibrant ecosystem located at the heart of the Quantum Innovation Zone of the picturesque city of Sherbrooke. Our interdisciplinary team is laser-focused on solving grand challenges and making quantum computing a reality.

Nord Quantique is an equal-opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals can fulfill their aspirations while being supported and heard. This also means that we offer flexible work schedules and adapt our methods for the well-being of every individual.

Moving to Nord Quantique

Nord Quantique offers extensive moving support, including help with immigration paperwork, with finding a place to live, with access to childcare and schools, even helping your partner to find a new job. We offer a relocation compensation package and competitive salaries.

Salary: $167 00$ – $195 000

Vacation: 5 weeks per year

Benefits: Group insurance (including dental care), virtual care, lifestyle spending account (all available after 3 months of service)

Working language: English and/or French

Workplace: Espace Quantique 1, 1950 rue Roy, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 1B7 or Ax.c, Place Victoria, 800 Rue du Square-Victoria, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 0B4