Principal Software Engineer (Control Systems)
Posted Updated
- We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help design and build the high-performance control systems that drive our next-generation quantum computing platforms
- In this role, you’ll work across embedded software, real-time systems, GPU/FPGA acceleration, and hardware orchestration to deliver deterministic, high-throughput control pipelines
- Your work will directly shape how our quantum processors operate, scale, and perform
- This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who loves deep systems work, understands hardware/software co-design, and thrives at the intersection of physics, architecture, and performance engineering
- Due to the need for collaboration with Atom’s theory, software and hardware teams, this role is required to be in the office in Boulder or Austin at least 3 days per week
- Build and test embedded firmware and software powering high-speed software defined radios (SDRs), imaging pipelines, precision scientific instrumentation, and real-time digital feedback loops
- Design and optimize deterministic, low-latency software for quantum hardware — including device drivers, Linux kernel modules, and custom subsystems
- Evaluate and architect real-time execution strategies across Linux and RTOS environments; drive design decisions around determinism, throughput, and system scalability
- Develop orchestration layers coordinating GPUs, FPGAs, and custom electronics for high-bandwidth, tightly synchronized quantum control operations
- Rapidly prototype and iterate using Rust, Python, C/C++, and CUDA
- Collaborate with quantum theorists, hardware engineers, and platform software teams to translate quantum control flows into fast, reliable, production-ready code
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree a plus
- At least 8 years of relevant postgraduate professional experience
- Organizational, coordination, and multi-tasking expertise
- Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: computer architecture, signal processing, algorithm development, quantum error correction, distributed systems, or compilers, with a willingness to learn across disciplines as needed
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills involving large-scale systems
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
- Proficiency in software development using C++, Python, Rust, or Go; experience with NVIDIA CUDA toolchains and ability to apply these skills in rapid prototyping and production systems