Real-Time C++ Tech Lead

Description:

Quantum Machines is a global leader in hybrid control systems for quantum computing, a field on the verge of exponential growth.

Our innovative hardware and software offer a groundbreaking approach to controlling quantum computers, scaling from individual qubits to arrays of thousands.

At the heart of QM is a passionate, ambitious team committed to transforming the construction and operation of quantum computers. Our deep understanding of customer needs drives us to deliver unmatched solutions in this revolutionary field.

We are looking for a highly experienced Real-Time C++ Tech Lead who embodies ambition and positivity.

Someone who can passionately take ownership of their responsibilities, leading a talented team while collaborating effectively with remote and on-site teams to not only meet but exceed our objectives and fulfill the evolving needs of our expanding customer base.

The Real-Time C++ component is at the core of our Quantum Orchestration Platform — it serves as the driver for the Pulse Processing Unit (PPU), our proprietary VLSI-based engine. This component is responsible for preparing, loading, and launching the execution of quantum-computing workloads, operating at extreme performance levels to maximize hardware utilization and minimize software overhead.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a team of real-time C++ engineers, fostering technical excellence, collaboration, and professional development.
• Own the architecture and development of the real-time C++ layer that drives the Pulse Processing Unit (PPU), QM's proprietary VLSI-based processor.
• Design and implement high-performance software for preparing, loading, and launching quantum-computing workloads with minimal latency and maximal hardware utilization.
• Drive relentless optimization of the software stack to minimize SW overhead in the critical path, ensuring the hardware operates at peak throughput.
• Collaborate closely with VLSI, compiler, and architecture teams to ensure seamless software-hardware integration across the quantum control stack.
• Define and uphold engineering standards, code quality practices, and performance benchmarking methodologies for the team.
• Contribute hands-on to the codebase — designing, reviewing, debugging, and profiling performance-critical code paths.
• Participate in cross-team technical planning, roadmap definition, and alignment with product and customer needs.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of hands-on C++ development experience in performance-critical or real-time systems — Must.
• At least 4 years of experience in technical leading role — Must.
• BSc. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant technical field (advanced degrees are an advantage) — Must.
• Deep understanding of systems programming, memory management, concurrency, and low-level optimization techniques — Must.
• Experience developing drivers or software interfacing with VLSI, hardware accelerators, or embedded processors — Advantage.
• Experience with profiling, benchmarking, and performance tuning of latency-sensitive software — Must.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary environment alongside hardware, VLSI, and algorithm teams — Advantage.