Senior Software Engineer (Research)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 28, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 17, 2026. Riverlane scores B on the Alion truth index.
SeniorSoftwareEngineer (Research)
College Park, MD, US | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid
Salary: $130,000 to $180,000 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.
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
As a Software Engineer at Riverlane, you will help build the world’s first Quantum Error Correction (QEC) stack, a critical step towards making useful quantum computing a reality.
This role sits within Riverlane’s Engineering Research team, which focuses on developing software to support and enable our research. Riverlane research spans from developing new codes, decoders and associated logic. To effectively develop these important components, we leverage in-house, novel software solutions that we maintain and grow continuously. The Engineering Research team oversees these components and it brings together mathematicians, physicists and engineers, working closely across disciplines on challenging technical problems.
You will collaborate directly with researchers, contributing to research code, internal tools and production software. Your work will play an important role in translating new ideas into robust, high-quality software that colleagues and customers can rely on.
What you will do
As a Software Engineer at Riverlane, your work will vary and will include:
- Developing research ideas and prototypes into correct, maintainable, and fast code.
- Delivering reliable and optimised software implementations of cutting-edge decoding algorithms to colleagues and customers.
- Extending Riverlane’s software tools for quantum simulation and QEC decoding and analysis.
- Sharing expertise and collaborating with other teams at Riverlane to guide thedevelopment of various parts of the QEC stack.
What we need
- Proficiency in C++ and Python is essential
- Experience with collaborative programming
- Experience with software engineering tools: CI/CD, containers, version control, static and dynamic code analysis
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
- A passion for learning and curious mindset
- An interest in quantum computing
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex ideas with a variety of audiences, in a clear and simple way
Even better if you have…
- Experience of shipping software to users
- Experience of quantum computing
- Experience of GPU programming
What can you expect from us
- A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, and 401K contributions
- Equity, so that our team can share in the long-term success of Riverlane
- Generous paid time off 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
How to apply
Please upload your resume and covering letter by clicking 'Apply'. Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the job and what skills and experience you can bring to the role.
We review CVs as we receive them and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match. We do not use closing dates. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this role.
If you have any queries, please contact [email protected].
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.
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