Contract Quantum Software Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

We are seeking a Quantum Software Engineer with expertise in nuclear physics and quantum algorithms for physical science applications.

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 nuclear physics
• Write and test code to apply quantum algorithms to nuclear physics problems
• Interface and collaborate with external groups interested in using quantum computing to solve nuclear physics problems
• Contribute to development of government and commercial nuclear 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 nuclear physics
• Provide guidance and support to other team members, fostering a collaborative research environment

Requirements

Required 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.
• General familiarity of nuclear physics: nuclear structure, Goldstone diagrams, Fermionic algebra, Folk Space, etc.
• Specific experience with at least one subfield of nuclear physics: QCD, EFT, many-body, etc.
• Experience with quantum algorithms used for physical science applications: QPE, VQE, Hamiltonian Simulation, etc.
• Experience in applying quantum algorithms to nuclear physics
• Familiarity with AI: machine learning, LLMs, agentic AI, etc.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a highly collaborative, cross-functional, team-oriented, and matrixed environment.
• Desire and demonstrated ability to thrive and produce results in a fluid, dynamic, and fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and complex topics quickly.
• Resourceful problem-solver who collaboratively identifies effective paths forward with demonstrated expertise in executing productization efforts.
• Passion for solving complex problems and challenges in a highly technical and scientific environment.
• Ability to be in the office any three days per week.
• Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally up to 10%.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in quantum computation, physics, computer science, or a directly related field
• Familiarity with concepts in quantum computing such as error correction, fault tolerance, native gate decomposition, qubit mapping and routing, and variational quantum algorithms.
• Experience with advanced open-source quantum software frameworks such as Stim
• Familiarity with best practices of professional software engineering such as coverage, integration tests, type checking, unit tests, and version control
• Experience with backend development with tools such as FastAPI for web frameworks and PostgreSQL/SQLAlchemy for databases.
• Experience with cloud development, especially on GCP and AWS.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, automated actions, issue tracking, version control, and other features on GitHub.
• Familiarity with security core best-practices such as access control, encryption at rest, key rotation, and logging
• Exposure to or interest in front-end / GUI development (e.g., React, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, PyQt).

Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Benefits

• Salary range: 110000-182000 USD/year
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
• Employer-funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) match
• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Savings Account
• Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment
• Equity Program