Embedded Software and Firmware Engineer

Location: Reading, England, United Kingdom

Department: Advanced Product Development, Hardware Engineering

Workplace: hybrid

Employment Type: full

Description

At OQC, we aren’t just theorising about the future; we’re building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we’ve successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started.

Our Embedded Software Engineers play a critical role in turning quantum hardware into a reliable, scalable system. You will sit at the boundary between software and hardware, building the low-level drivers and tooling that allow our quantum computers to perform at their best.

If you’re driven to push the boundaries of applied R&D and want to see your work directly influence next-generation computing systems, you’ll feel at home here.

The Role

As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will develop and maintain low-level software that bridges high-level control software and complex quantum hardware. Your work will directly enable system performance, reliability, and scalability across OQC’s quantum platforms.

You’ll own projects end-to-end: from gathering requirements and designing technical approaches, through implementation, debugging, optimisation, and deployment. Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you’ll help solve both functional and non-functional challenges in a fast-moving, highly technical environment.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Developing low-level instrumentation, assembly, and driver software in Python, C, and C++
• Designing software solutions and proposing technical approaches, including trade-offs around performance, complexity, cost, and maintainability
• Debugging complex issues across development and production environments, taking ownership through to resolution
• Optimising driver and embedded code using compiler outputs and performance analysis techniques
• Collaborating with hardware, firmware, and higher-level software teams to manage interactions across the stack
• Reviewing and testing code to ensure production-ready quality, performance, and security
• Supporting and mentoring less experienced engineers through pair programming, code reviews, and knowledge sharing

What We’re Looking For

We value strong fundamentals, technical curiosity, and a passion for solving complex problems.

Core Experience

• Languages: Experience developing embedded or low-level software in Python, C, and/or C++, Verilog, SystemVerilog, and/or VHDL
• Full Lifecycle Development: Delivering software projects through the full lifecycle, from requirements to production
• Debugging: Resolving issues in both development and live environments
• Architecture: Designing and maintaining complex codebases 
• Computer science fundamentals : data structures, algorithms, operating systems
• Product-focused: Experience working in an industrial or product-focused  environment
• Communication: Communicate technical concepts clearly to non-embedded stakeholders

Nice to Haves

• Experience with Rust or other systems programming languages
• Embedded Linux development experience
• Experience designing instruction set architectures (ISAs)
• Background in electrical engineering or close collaboration with hardware teams
• Knowledge of DSP
• Experience with ADC/DAC and mixed-signal systems
  

Why Join OQC?

You’ll join a world-class team at the forefront of the next computational era. At OQC, you’ll work with unique lab infrastructure, collaborate with experts across physics and engineering, and see your work directly shape the future of quantum computing.

Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here:
https://oqc.tech/company/careers-at-oqc/