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Software Engineer, Quantum Controls

Tsukuba, Japan

Summary:  

QuEra is seeking a software engineer to join the Quantum Controls team at the QuEra Japan site at AIST Tsukuba. QuEra Japan team’s mission is to productize QuEra’s first gate-based quantum computer Gemini into a fully operational programmable system that can be integrated with the high-performance computing facilities at AIST, as well as offered to the broader user base via cloud access. You will be responsible for diagnosing, troubleshooting, and maintaining software deployed in our embedded optical and quantum computing systems. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as software development, hardware engineering, quantum researchers, and product management. Through this collaboration, you will help identify root causes of software-related issues, implement corrective actions, and assist with continuous improvements for our optical and quantum platform firmware and associated tools. This position requires an in-depth understanding of embedded systems, optical technologies, familiarity or strong interest in quantum computing concepts, and a commitment to delivering superior customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Software Troubleshooting & Resolution
    1. Investigate, diagnose, and resolve software issues within quantum control system and computing systems.
    2. Conduct in-depth root cause analyses to ensure permanent fixes are implemented and documented.
    3. Perform debugging and performance tuning on embedded firmware and associated software components, with a focus on stability under quantum and optical constraints.
  2. Maintenance & Updates
    1. Develop patches, service releases, and version updates for existing software to improve performance, stability, and functionality.
    2. Collaborate with development teams to implement and test bug fixes, enhancements, and new features, especially in alignment with quantum-enabled use cases.
    3. Coordinate with stakeholders to schedule and roll out software updates, minimizing any disruption to customers working on crucial quantum or optical initiatives.
  3. Customer Support
    1. Serve as a key point of contact for customers, providing Level 2/Level 3 support for escalated software issues.
    2. Offer guidance on system usage, configuration, and best practices for embedded optical and quantum computing devices.
    3. Maintain clear communication with customers regarding issue status, resolution timelines, and recommended optimizations for both optical and quantum environments.
  4. Collaboration & Documentation
    1. Work closely with cross-functional engineering teams (hardware, optical, quantum research, firmware, QA) to ensure end-to-end system integrity.
    2. Create and maintain thorough documentation of changes, issues, and processes for internal teams and customers.
    3. Proactively contribute to knowledge bases, FAQs, and support portals to enhance self-service support, including quantum-focused reference materials.
  5. Continuous Improvement
    1. Monitor system performance and work with engineering to refine internal tools and processes.
    2. Participate in code reviews, system audits, and technical discussions to improve quality and maintainability for embedded and quantum systems.
    3. Identify trends and potential risk areas in software, proposing solutions to enhance stability and prevent recurrence—particularly crucial for quantum system performance.
  6. Quantum Computing Integration
    1. Support software integration with quantum computing frameworks or APIs, ensuring compatibility with embedded optical architectures.
    2. Collaborate with quantum researchers to understand hardware requirements, system constraints, and data handling workflows specific to quantum workloads.
    3. Contribute to the exploration of new methodologies or protocols that leverage quantum phenomena in optical devices.

 

Qualifications & Skills

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience:
    • 3+ years in a software support, maintenance, or systems engineering role.
    • Strong background in C++, Python
    • Hands-on experience with embedded systems development and/or troubleshooting.
    • Exposure to optical or photonic technologies is strongly preferred; familiarity with quantum computing concepts is a plus.
  • Technical Proficiencies:
    • Proficiency in C/C++ or similar programming languages used in embedded platforms.
    • Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), Linux, and embedded development environments.
    • Understanding of optical systems, photonic sensors, or related hardware interfaces; knowledge of quantum optics or quantum data processing is highly advantageous.
    • Experience with debugging tools (JTAG, GDB) and version control (Git).
    • Awareness of quantum computing frameworks or libraries (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, or similar) is beneficial.
  • Soft Skills:
    • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
    • Strong written and verbal communication to interface effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
    • Team player mindset, proactive, and customer-focused approach.

 

Qualifications:  

 

  • 5+ years of software development experience.
  • Familiarity with DevOps processes and infrastructures.
  • Strong background in C++, Python. .
  • Exposure to Verilog or VHDL. (optional)
  • Familiarity with a message broker infrastructure.
  • Confidence in a fast-paced engineering environment.
  • Experience interfacing with physical instruments.
  • Bilingual English/Japanese highly preferred

 

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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