Software Engineer

Cambridge, UK | Full-time or Part-time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: £55,000 to £82,000, 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.
We will also consider part-time applications for this role. Please indicate your preferred working schedule in your cover letter.
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.

We recently raised $75 million to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D. We partner with many of the world's leading quantum computing companies and governments to accelerate their path to utility-scale quantum computers. We're making remarkable progress and growing fast. Join us

About The Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Software Modelling Engineer to design and build high-fidelity software models of digital hardware, including FPGA and ASIC, micro-architectural components, and hardware-constrained implementations of algorithms. These models will support the development of Deltaflow, Riverlane's Quantum Error Correction (QEC) stack.

Using strong software engineering skills, particularly in Python, you will model, simulate and analyse hardware performance. You will also explore architectural trade-offs and enable early prototyping of the classical stack required for fault-tolerant quantum computing. This role offers a rare opportunity to bring your foundational software engineering skills into QEC and help shape the next era of computing.

You'll collaborate with Engineering, Product and Quantum Science teams to design and develop the models, tools and runtime components. If you're a Software Engineer with a collaborative mindset, strong problem-solving ability and an interest in whole-system thinking this role is perfect for you. You'll build the quantum computing understanding you need progressively as you grow with the role.

Prior quantum computing knowledge is not necessary - you will learn this along the way
What You Will Do

• Understand design requirements and constraints for error-corrected quantum computing systems
• Develop functional and performance models of hardware
• Do full system bring-up, co-simulation, testing and performance modelling
• Write correct, fast and maintainable code

Requirements
What we need

• Proficiency in Python
• Experience in one native language, such as C++ or Rust
• Curiosity to learn about quantum computing
• Understanding of how hardware implements software
• Ability to operate comfortably in ambiguous or evolving environments
• A collaborative team player, with excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Ability and willingess to work in a hybrid environment

Even better if you have...

• Experience with FPGA or ASIC development flows
• Knowledge of micro-architecture design
• Familiarity with digital hardware design principles
• Understanding of hardware implementation constraints
• Experience modelling algorithms
• Strong engineering practices, including CI/CD, automated testing and structured code reviews
• Ability to work across disciplines and communicate complex architectural trade-offs clearly

Benefits
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 Now'. 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

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.