Published on Aug 10, 2026 · We confirmed on Aug 11, 2026 that it's still live
Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid
Salary: £60,000 to £75,000 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.
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.
As a Software Engineer at
Riverlane, you will help build the world’s first Quantum Error Correction (QEC) stack, a critical step towards making useful quantum computing a reality.
This role sits within
Riverlane’s
Explore research team, which focuses on advancing our decoding algorithms at the core of the QEC stack. These algorithms underpin both our product development and our research
efforts and
form a central part of how we push the field forward. The team brings together mathematicians,
physicists
and engineers, working closely across disciplines on challenging technical problems.
You will collaborate directly with researchers, contributing to research code, internal
tools
and production software. Your work will play
an important role
in translating
new ideas
into robust, high-quality software that colleagues and customers can rely on.
As a
Research
Software Engineer at
Riverlane, your work will vary and will include:
Developing research ideas and prototypes into correct, maintainable, and fast code.
Delivering
reliable and optimised
software implementations of
cutting-edge
decoding
algorithm.
Maintaining and evolving
repositories and software releases at the high engineering level.
Extending
Riverlane’s
software tools for
quantum simulation
and QEC decoding
and analysis.
Sharing
expertise
and collaborating
with other teams at
Riverlane
to guide
the
development of various parts of the QEC stack.
What we need
MSc in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical
field (or equivalent professional experience)
Proficiency
in
C++
and Python
is
essential
Experience
with
collaborative programming
Experience with software engineering tools: CI/CD, containers, version control, static and dynamic code analysis
Confidence in basics of linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and probabilities
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to work effectively,
both independently and as part of a team
A passion for learning and curious mindset
An interest in quantum computing
Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex ideas with a variety of audiences, in a clear and
simple way
Even better if you have…
Experience of shipping software to users
Experience of quantum computing
Experience of
GPU
programming
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
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
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.
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
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