Quantum Software Engineer - Energy Grid Optimization
Quantum software engineer doing R&D applying quantum optimization algorithms (QAOA, annealing) and error-correction techniques to energy grid optimization problems. Day to day involves writing/testing Python code, simulating and running circuits on quantum hardware, and collaborating with physicists; key tools include Cirq, Qiskit, and optionally Stim, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, and GCP/AWS.
- Compensation
- $140K–$182K / yr
- Location
- Chicago, United States
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Software engineering
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- BS or MS in Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- High programming proficiency; fluency in Python preferable (or C/C++/Julia with ability to upskill in Python)
- Experience with quantum optimization algorithms: QAOA, IQP circuits, quantum annealing
- Familiarity with theory of quantum optimization: parameter transfer, barren plateaus, classical optimizers
- Experience with quantum error correction techniques: iceberg codes, encoding, decoding
- Familiarity with energy grid optimization: unit commitment, N-k contingency
- Experience optimizing quantum circuits: mapping/routing, gate decomposition
- Experience with noiseless and noisy simulation of quantum circuits
- Experience running quantum circuits on quantum hardware and analyzing results
- Experience with open-source quantum frameworks such as Cirq or Qiskit, ideally including modifying them
- Professional-level verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative, cross-functional, matrixed environment
- Ability to be in the office any three days per week
- Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally up to 10%
Nice to have
- PhD in quantum computation, physics, computer science, or related field
- Familiarity with quantum computing concepts: error correction, fault tolerance, native gate decomposition, qubit mapping/routing, variational algorithms
- Experience with advanced open-source quantum frameworks such as Stim
- Familiarity with software engineering best practices: coverage, integration tests, type checking, unit tests, version control
- Backend development experience with FastAPI and PostgreSQL/SQLAlchemy
- Cloud development experience, especially GCP and AWS
- Familiarity with CI/CD, automated actions, issue tracking, and version control on GitHub
- Familiarity with security best practices: access control, encryption at rest, key rotation, logging
- Exposure or interest in front-end/GUI development (React, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, PyQt)
Full description
We are seeking a Quantum Software Engineer with expertise in quantum optimization algorithms and quantum error correction techniques and an interest in applying that expertise to energy grid optimization problems.
Job Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities outlined below include essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, this role may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned:
- Conduct R&D toward cutting-edge advances in quantum technology with a focus on applications to energy grid optimization
- Write and test code to apply quantum algorithms to energy grid optimization problems
- Interface and collaborate with external groups interested in using quantum computing to solve energy grid optimization problems
- Contribute to development of government and commercial energy grid optimization proposals
- Collaborate with experimental physicists and software engineers to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical implementation
- Engage with the broader scientific community by publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting at conferences
- Stay up to date with the latest developments in both quantum algorithms and energy grid optimization
- Provide guidance and support to other team members, fostering a collaborative research environment
RequirementsRequired Qualifications
- BS or MS in Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
- High proficiency in programming, with fluency in Python preferable. Proficiency in alternative languages (e.g., C/C++ or Julia) with the ability to rapidly upskill in Python.
- Experience with quantum algorithms used for optimization applications: QAOA, IQP circuits, quantum annealing, etc.
- Familiarity with theoretical aspects of quantum optimization algorithms: parameter transfer, barren plateaus, classical optimization algorithms, etc.
- Experience with quantum error correction and partial quantum error correction techniques: iceberg codes, encoding, decoding, etc.
- Familiarity with energy grid optimization: unit commitment, N-k contingency, etc.
- Experience optimizing quantum circuits: mapping/routing, gate decomposition, etc.
- Experience with both noiseless and noisy simulation of quantum circuits
- Experience running quantum circuits on quantum hardware and analyzing the results thereof.
- Experience with open-source quantum software frameworks, such as Cirq or Qiskit. Ideal candidates will have experience not only using these libraries but also modifying them.
- Demonstrated ability to work and communicate will all levels of an organization. Professional-level communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation skills.