Hybrid Principal Software Engineer

at Atom Computing

• Job title: Principal Software Engineer
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: $180,000 - $220,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Postgraduate Degree
• Tech skills: Cloud, Distributed Systems, Python, Rust, Go
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Boulder, United States

About the role

• Principal Software Engineer defining and evolving backend services architecture for next-generation quantum computing platform. Collaborating with a world-class team to advance quantum technology.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the backend services architecture that powers our next-generation quantum computing platform.
• Design scalable, production-grade services that support researcher workflows, quantum job orchestration, and externally facing APIs for interacting with Atom’s quantum computers.
• Lead architectural decisions around distributed systems, service boundaries, and cloud infrastructure.
• Ensure high performance, reliability, and observability across the platform.
• Translate the unique execution models and data flows of quantum workloads into well-architected backend systems.
• Play a hands-on role implementing and guiding these services as they evolve into a scalable commercial product.
• Collaborate with Atom’s physics, software and hardware teams.

Requirements

• Masters or PhD in Computer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of post-degree experience building complex systems.
• 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.
• Additional desirable experience includes:
• - 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.

Benefits

• fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents.
• unlimited paid time off
• 401K company matching
• short- and long-term disability
• FSA
• dependent care benefits
• life insurance
• drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!