Senior Software Engineer - Modelling

Location: Cambridge, UK

Department: Engineering

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid 

Salary: £70,000 to £90,000, 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.

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.  

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.  

About the role 

You’ll join an engineering team working on the classical software and hardware integration needed to enable fault-tolerant quantum computing. The focus is on making these systems work together efficiently and reliably through well-designed tools, runtime components, and hardware interfaces.

As a Senior Software Engineer specialising in functional and performance modelling, you’ll lead the design and development of simulation and emulation models for Deltaflow, Riverlane’s Quantum Error Correction (QEC) stack. These models are critical for exploring system trade-offs, evaluating design decisions, and enabling early development ahead of hardware availability.

You’ll work closely with Engineering, Research, and Product teams, contributing to both technical direction and delivery. This is a fast-moving environment where you’ll be expected to take ownership, make pragmatic decisions, and help shape how the system evolves.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, communicates clearly, and works well across teams. You’ll be delivery-focused, with a mindset of getting things done, and comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy. You don’t need a background in quantum computing, you’ll pick that up along the way.

What you will do 

• Understand system requirements and constraints for error-corrected quantum computing systems, translating these into modelling and design decisions.
• Design and develop functional and performance models of complex hardware systems.
• Lead system-level activities including bring-up, co-simulation, testing, and performance analysis.
• Use modelling to explore trade-offs, validate design choices, and guide system architecture.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Research, and Product teams to shape and deliver solutions.
• Write clean, efficient, and maintainable code, with a focus on performance and scalability.

What we need 

• Strong experience in functional and/or performance modelling of complex systems.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, or Rust.
• Good understanding of computer architecture concepts.
• Ability to take problems from concept through to a complete, well-designed solution.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• Clear communicator, able to work effectively with a range of technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Curious and motivated to learn new technologies, including quantum computing .

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'. 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 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. 

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. 

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