Atom Computing

Principal Software Engineer

Atom Computing$180K — $220K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Masters or PhD in Computer Science or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in building complex systems post-degree.
  • Proficiency in production software using C++, Python, Rust, or Go.
  • Knowledge in computer architecture, quantum error correction, or distributed systems.
  • Strong communication skills with experience in presentations, publications, or collaborative research.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement backend services for quantum computing simulation and operations.
  • Mentor engineers through technical guidance and code reviews.
  • Collaborate with physicists and engineers to shape the product roadmap.
  • Lead architectural decisions on distributed systems and cloud infrastructure.
  • Ensure high performance and observability across the quantum platform.

Benefits

  • Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
  • Unlimited paid time off.
  • 401K company matching.
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage.
  • Access to complimentary drinks, snacks, and catered lunches in the office.
Full Job Description
Principal Software Engineer Atom Computing is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to define and evolve the backend services architecture that powers our next-generation quantum computing platform. In this role, you will design scalable, production-grade services that support researcher workflows, quantum job orchestration, and externally facing APIs for interacting with Atom's quantum computers. You will lead architectural decisions around distributed systems, service boundaries, and cloud infrastructure while ensuring high performance, reliability, and observability across the platform. The ideal candidate can translate the unique execution models and data flows of quantum workloads into well-architected backend systems and will play a hands-on role implementing and guiding these services as they evolve into a scalable commercial product. Due to the need for collaboration with Atom's physics, software and hardware teams, this role is required to be in the office in Boulder at least 3 days per week. Job Responsibilities: - Design and implement software services required for simulation, compilation and operation of the quantum computer. - Mentor and support engineers through technical guidance, code reviews, and knowledge sharing to strengthen team capability and software quality. - Collaborate closely with quantum physicists, optical engineers, and hardware engineers to understand key use cases and shape the product roadmap. Experience & Education - Masters or PhD in Computer Science, or related field. - 10+ years of post-degree experience building complex systems. Qualifications - Demonstrated ability to write production software using C++, Python, Rust, or Go. - Knowledge in one or more of the following areas: computer architecture, quantum error correction, or distributed systems, with a willingness to learn across disciplines as needed. - Strong communication skills, demonstrated through technical presentations, publications, or collaborative research. - Adaptability and curiosity, with a demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and work effectively in areas of uncertainty. Preferred Qualifications - Building and scaling a developer operations team, including workflow automation, access management, and infrastructure-as-code practices. - Having managed and optimized databases either in the cloud or on-site. - Familiarity and experience implementing security best practices. - Having set up or configured networks, both physical and virtual. - Interfacing with and controlling cameras, motors, lasers, and other third party devices. Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day! The base salary range for this position is between $180,000 - $220,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

About Atom Computing

Atom Computing is a quantum computing company that is developing a scalable quantum computer using neutral atoms. The company was founded in 2018 by Benjamin Bloom, who is a professor of physics at the University of California, Berkeley. Atom Computing's approach to quantum computing is based on neutral atoms, which are more stable than other qubit technologies. The company has raised $15 million in seed funding from Venrock, Innovation Endeavors, Prelude Ventures, and DCVC.
Learn more about Atom Computing
Size
50 employees
Industry
Founded
2018

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