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Compiler Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MatX

Software Engineer - Compiler

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$175K - $400K/yr

Possess outstanding software engineering skills with a focus on efficiency and performance * Possess experience in compiler algorithms, demonstrating proficiency in areas such as register allocation ...

MatX

Software Engineer - Compiler

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$175K - $400K/yr

Possess outstanding software engineering skills with a focus on efficiency and performance * Possess experience in compiler algorithms, demonstrating proficiency in areas such as register allocation ...

Qualcomm

GPU Compiler Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

... years of Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work ... and compiler software to support GPU products. • Writes detailed technical documentation and ...

Cisco

Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

Cisco is seeking an experienced and motivated Software Engineer to join their Service Provider High ... compiler to fully leverage the capabilities of advanced networking hardware. • Solve complex ...

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Compiler Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do compiler software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for compiler software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Compiler Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Compiler Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, programming languages (such as C/C++), and compiler theory, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like LLVM, GCC, and debuggers, as well as experience with code optimization and static analysis, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding engineers apart. These skills ensure robust, efficient compiler development and seamless collaboration with development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Compiler Software Engineers when optimizing code for different hardware architectures?

Compiler Software Engineers often encounter challenges when adapting and optimizing code for various hardware architectures, such as balancing performance improvements with maintaining code portability and correctness. Each architecture may have unique instruction sets, memory hierarchies, and parallelization capabilities, requiring careful tuning of compiler optimizations. Additionally, collaboration with hardware engineers and staying updated on evolving processor technologies are essential to ensure efficient code generation. This aspect of the role provides continuous learning opportunities and keeps the work both dynamic and technically rewarding.

What is a Compiler Software Engineer?

A Compiler Software Engineer is a specialized software developer who designs, implements, and maintains compilers. Compilers are programs that translate source code written in one programming language into another, typically from high-level languages like C++ or Python into machine code that a computer can execute. Compiler engineers work on optimizing code performance, ensuring correctness, and supporting new programming language features. They often have strong backgrounds in computer science, algorithms, and systems programming.

What is the difference between Compiler Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectCompiler Software EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, specialized knowledge in compilersBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, compiler development teamsVaried environments including startups, corporations, freelance projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in compiler design, programming language development, systems softwareWeb, mobile, enterprise applications, software solutions

Compiler Software Engineers focus on designing and optimizing compilers and language tools, often working in specialized teams. Software Developers create a wide range of applications across industries. While both roles require programming skills, Compiler Software Engineers have a niche expertise in language translation and optimization, making their work more specialized.

What are the most commonly searched types of Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California? For Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Compiler Software Engineer jobs in California are:
Compiler Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Compiler Software Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 27% Hybrid, and 73% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer, Back-end (Compiler)

Q-CTRL

Los Angeles, CA

$135K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

About the team
At Q-CTRL, Quantum Computing Engineering is a global team of software engineers and infrastructure experts,combining deep technical expertise with a startup mindset to deliver real impact through software innovation. Our work is underpinned by robust standards, and by embracing the three virtues. Our team excels in areas across back-end, front-end, machine learning, and platform engineering.
 
We transform Q-CTRL’s world-leading technological breakthroughs into commercial software products with applications across defense, research, and industry. We work closely with Product, Design, and Research teams to accelerate the path to quantum advantage worldwide.

About the role
As a Software Engineer on the Boulder Opal team, you will work with brilliant engineers and researchers to design and build a scalable, high-performance backend system while directly contributing to our quantum controller infrastructure.
 
A key part of your role will be maintaining and evolving the compiler stack that translates OpenQASM3 + OpenPulse programs for low-level quantum controllers, bridging the gap between high-level quantum programming and physical execution on QPUs. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, product, infrastructure, frontend, and research, ensuring end-to-end delivery of cutting-edge solutions that power our SDKs and cloud-based offerings.
 
This role is ideal for someone passionate about backend engineering and systems-level programming, with an interest in quantum computing and scientific software.
 
What you'll be doing:
  • Build the backbone of quantum tech: Design, develop, and optimize scalable backend services in Python.
  • Own the compiler stack: Maintain and evolve the compiler that translates OpenQASM3 + OpenPulse programs into low-level controller instructions.
  • Bridge research and engineering: Work closely with world-class researchers and quantum engineers, translating experimental needs into production-ready code and debugging real-world execution challenges.
  • Experiment on quantum hardware: Get hands-on with QPUs, validating compiler output and controller behaviors through real device experiments.
  • Engineer for performance: Deliver high-efficiency service-to-service communication using modern protocols (gRPC, GraphQL, REST).
  • Shape the future stack: Help define the software practices, tools, and design patterns that will power the next generation of quantum control systems.
  • Other duties within the Employee's skills and experience, or with reasonable training.
Ideally you'll have:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of backend software development experience with Python.
  • Experience with quantum hardware control systems (or similar) or pulse-level programming (e.g., OpenQASM3, Qiskit Pulse, Qua).
  • Familiarity with popular Python web frameworks (Django, Flask, FastAPI).
It would be fantastic (but not essential) if you bring:
  • Familiarity with formal language design (e.g. LL(*) or PEG parsers) and compiler theory or ecosystems (e.g. LLVM/MLIR).
  • Experience with implementing Python extension modules with systems programming languages such as C++ or Rust for accelerating Python programs.
  • Knowledge or exposure to adjacent technologies such as FPGA programming, low-latency or real-time systems.
Salary
The base salary for this position is targeted between $135,000 - $210,000 and will ultimately be determined by specific job-related skills, experience, level, location and other contributing factors. Depending on the position offered, this role may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses, equity and other forms of compensation outside of the targeted range. For more information on benefits at Q-CTRL, please visit our careers page at https://q-ctrl.com/careers.
 
Should you have any questions related to the compensation package, please speak directly with the Talent Acquisition representative.

About Q-CTRL
Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real-world impact.
 
Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, and Oxford. Our teams bring together technical and multi-disciplinary expertise across the product lifecycle, and we’re hiring talent to help scale every part of the business. We work quickly to turn cutting-edge science into deployable technology.
 
In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company. Six months later we delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field-validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.
 
At Q-CTRL, we prioritize outcomes over hours. We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high-performance culture. If you’re ready to help shape the future of quantum, we’d love to hear from you!
 
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
 
Please be advised that our communications will only come from the @q-ctrl.com domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.
 
To recruitment agencies, we do not accept unsolicited branded profiles and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.