Software Development Engineer in Test

Cambridge, UK | Full-time or Part-time | Permanent (or Temporary) | Hybrid 

Salary: £64,000 to £76,000, 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: 

We’re looking for a Software Development Engineer in Test, to join our Test Engineering team in Cambridge. You’ll test Riverlane’s QEC software from end to end, across Deltakit (our open-source Python SDK), our compiler and Deltaflow (our real-time quantum error correction system). 

This role suits a developer with some experience in quantum, who wants to move towards testing. You’ll write and maintain tests, and you’ll also think like a user: does this feature behave the way a customer would expect, and could it be easier to use? What you learn will feed directly into how we improve the product. 

What you will do ( specific responsibilities): 

• Design, write and maintain Python tests (using pytest) across our QEC software stack, including Deltakit and the compiler front end 

• Test features from the customer’s point of view, and check that your tests reflect how users will actually work with the product 

• Spot where functionality could be clearer or easier to use, and propose improvements 

• Share findings with engineering and product teams, and follow your suggestions through to changes in the product 

• Work closely with developers to understand new features and plan how they should be tested 

What we need:

• Knowledge of quantum computation and core concepts such as quantum circuits. One relevant project or piece of experience is enough (for example, building and running circuits with a framework such as Qiskit) 

• Experience as a developer working on a product, either software or hardware, and an interest in moving towards test 

• Strong Python skills. All the interfaces you’ll use day to day are in Python, from pytest to our compiler front end and Deltakit 

• A user-focused mindset. You think about how functionality comes across to a customer and how it could be made easier to use 
• A track record of suggesting improvements to a product or software library 

Even better if you have…

• Knowledge of quantum error correction (QEC) 

• Direct experience of testing software or hardware 

What can you expect from us  

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, and a contributory pension scheme  

• Equity, so that our team can share in the long-term success of Riverlane  

• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays 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 a CV 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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