Senior Compiler Engineer

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid

Salary: £65,000 - £80,000 GBP DOE 

We will also consider part-time applications for this role. Please indicate your preferred working schedule in your cover letter.  

We are able to consider a range of levels of experience, and are therefore advertising this role at different levels of seniority.  Please apply to the role you feel best suits your skills and experience. 

About us  

Riverlane’s mission is to make quantum computing useful, sooner. From advances in material science to complex chemistry simulation for drug design and discovery, quantum computers will help solve some of the world’s most important challenges. Riverlane is building the quantum error correction stack, Deltaflow, to make this happen. It’s a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.   

We recently raised $75M in Series C funding to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), and are partnering 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 

Our Tooling team are building out the compilation toolchain for fault tolerant quantum computing. The compiler enables the quantum computer user to use representations of novel error correcting codes, and to execute their programs with new real-time decoders. This role is a fantastic opportunity to help us do this.  

You don't need a background in quantum computing to be successful in this role – quantum engineering requires a wide range of skills and disciplines, including classical computing skills. By applying your existing knowledge of computer science fundamentals, you will help Riverlane to build the critical compilation and runtime systems needed for this unique computing system.  You will learn quantum computing along the way!    

Riverlane’s mission is exciting, but complex.  It requires teams with a wide range of skills and perspectives, that communicate well and collaborate effectively to achieve truly innovative solutions. You will thrive in an environment where knowledge-sharing and continuous learning are the norm.  We are moving fast in a brand-new market, where requirements change as the technology evolves, so the ability to adapt is important. 

What you will do 

• Design and build system tools such as compilers, schedulers and debuggers 

• Develop functional and performance models of control systems and Deltaflow  hardware (our quantum error correction stack) 

• Write correct, maintainable and fast code 

• Enable users to write and run fault tolerant programs  

• Build the software stack for error-corrected quantum computing systems  

• Work with scientists and engineers to implement new error correcting codes, and runtimes for new decoders 

What we need  

• Experience of shipping real software to real users  

• Curiosity to learn new things 

• Experience of working collaboratively, with a diverse range of people 

• Broad knowledge of the whole software and hardware stack: compilers, operating systems, computer architectures 

• Deep experience with LLVM, GCC, or other compiler toolchains 

• Expertise in Python; expertise in C++ or Rust 

• Interest in working in the quantum open-source ecosystem 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 

What you can expect from us 

• A comprehensive benefits package, including annual bonus scheme, private medical insurance, life insurance, a contributory pension scheme (and much more) 

• 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, maths and many more) and over 20 different nationalities 

• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and learning, including an annual training and conference budget 

 
How to apply 

Please upload a CV and cover letter by clicking 'Apply'. Your cover 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. We advertised this role on 4th April 2025. If you have any queries, please contact jobs@riverlane.com. 

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. 

Studies have shown that women tend to apply to jobs if they meet all or almost all of the requirements whereas men apply even if they meet only some of the requirements. If that sounds like you then please apply – we are happy to review your application and let you know if we think you might be a good fit. 

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.