Head of Compiler and Runtime

2 weeks ago

Reading, Reading, United Kingdom Oxford Quantum Circuits Full time £80,000 - £120,000 per year

At OQC, our compilers and runtime systems form the critical bridge between user-supplied quantum circuits and our quantum hardware which executes them. We're looking for a Head of Compiler and Runtime to lead a high-performing team to develop the software infrastructure that powers OQC's quantum computers. Your leadership will ensure our compilers are optimised for speed, scalability and reliability - enabling cutting-edge quantum applications for both research and commercial use.

You're already a proven technical leader with a background in runtime systems, or similar large-scale software engineering (ideally compiler development, but this is not essential). You thrive on driving innovation, architecting solutions, and mentoring others. Equally, you're comfortable working across teams - collaborating with R&D, hardware, and product stakeholders - to shape the software foundations that will define the future of quantum computing.

And of course, as a leader, you'll bring that proven passion for mentoring, managing, and empowering your team. Supporting and developing our people is core to who we are; that'll be in your hands.

As the Head of Compiler and Runtime, reporting to Lamar Moore (Director of Software Engineering), your responsibilities will include:

  • Defining and prioritising the compiler and runtime roadmap, ensuring alignment with company strategy and long-term software goals.
  • Leading the development of algorithms for qubit routing, placement, noise-aware optimisation, pulse scheduling, and instruction generation.
  • Overseeing software delivery from concept through to production deployment - balancing innovation with stability and performance.
  • Identifying risks and blockers early, managing resources to mitigate challenges, and escalating when required.
  • Ensuring best practice in agile software development, code quality, and performance optimisation across the team.
  • Coaching and mentoring team members to support their professional growth and technical development.
  • Collaborating closely with hardware and site reliability teams to maintain system stability and ensure high operational uptime.
  • Representing OQC externally through conferences, publications, and partnerships, supporting our mission to lead the quantum revolution.
  • Leading hiring, performance reviews, and career development within your team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.

You'll bring significant experience from a commercial, academic, or research environment, with a proven record of delivering complex software systems and compilers from prototype through to production. You'll know how to balance hands-on technical work with strategic direction, and you'll understand when to apply different development frameworks - from Agile to Lean - to get results efficiently.

As an engineer, you'll have expertise in Python; C/C++, and Rust (or similar system-level languages) would be desirable but not essential additions to your skillset. You will combine this with strong working knowledge of performance optimisation, and modern software architecture. Familiarity with LLVM/MLIR, scientific or quantum software and cross-language development would be a strong advantage.

If you're ready to push the boundaries of compiler and runtime design - and lead a team driving the next software revolution - we'd love to hear from you.

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