Freelance Embedded System Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

At Infleqtion we solve the world's most challenging problems using cutting-edge quantum technology. Our mission is to commercialize atom-based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in sensing and computing applications. We are proud to work tirelessly to create and lead the quantum ecosystem towards meaningful advancements today and set the technology roadmap for tomorrow. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Within Infleqtion's Computing Product Group (CPG), the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to own and deliver highperformance embedded and systems software enabling realtime quantum error correction and classical control at scale. This role focuses on integrating NVIDIA highspeed interconnects with quantum errorcorrection decoding pipelines, in close collaboration with quantum software, physics, and hardware teams. 
This position is scoped as a seniorlevel individual contributor role: the engineer independently owns complex subsystems endtoend within an established architecture, solves technically hard problems, interacts directly with external partners, and mentors developing engineers, without defining longterm platform architecture. The engineer will also serve as a point-of-contact (POC) for subsystem hardware integration with NVidia's NVQLink. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

Typically, you will be entrusted with: 

• Independently design, implement, validate, and maintain embedded and systemslevel software subsystems supporting realtime quantum error correction and control. 

• Translate quantum errorcorrection requirements (code distance, syndrome rates, latency budgets) into concrete classical compute, memory, and interconnect requirements. 

• Design systems that meet deterministic latency, bandwidth, and reliability requirements across CPU, GPU, FPGA, and highspeed interconnect domains. 

• Serve as the technical pointofcontact for NVIDIA NVQLink integration, including topology, bandwidth modeling, latency characterization, and failure modes. Involves direct interaction with NVIDIA personnel as well as HPC experts in academia and US national labs. 

• Collaborate closely with Quantum Software, Physics, Electrical, and Systems Engineering to codesign hardware/software interfaces. 

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex performance, scaling, and integration issues spanning firmware, drivers, OS (Embedded Linux / bare-metal environments), GPU runtimes, and hardware. 

• Develop and maintain validation infrastructure, performance benchmarks, and test harnesses for deterministic behavior and scaling. 

• Provide informal mentorship through design reviews, code reviews, and technical guidance.

Requirements

• A degree (PhD preferred) in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with experience in high-performance computing (HPC). 

• Demonstrated experience owning complex embedded or systemslevel software subsystems endtoend. 

• Strong experience with C/C++ in performancecritical systems. 

• Experience debugging across software and hardware boundaries (drivers, firmware, interconnects, timing). 

• Solid understanding of computer architecture fundamentals (memory hierarchies, interconnects, latency vs throughput tradeoffs). 

• Experience with hardware/software codesign for quantum control systems 

• Experience working in Linuxbased embedded or HPC environments. 

• Familiarity with GPU programming models (CUDA or equivalent) at a systems level. 

WE HIGHLY VALUE: 

• Highperformance computing (HPC) systems design or deployment. 

• Familiary with NVIDIA CUDA-Q 

• Direct experience with NVIDIA Holoscan Sensor Bridge, RDMA over Converged Ethernet, or similar highspeed coherent interconnects. 

• Experience supporting or developing errorcorrection decoding pipelines (quantum or classical). 

• Background similar to advanced academic research groups in quantum architectures or decoding (e.g., largescale syndrome decoding research). 

• Experience performancemodeling compute systems as a function of problem size and algorithmic complexity. 

• Exposure to FPGAaccelerated or heterogeneous compute systems. 

• Detail-oriented mindset witha strong senseof ownership and technical accountability. 

• Positive, collaborative working style and enthusiasm for mentoring and developing engineers. 

NOTE:

• Job responsibilities and requirements are illustrative, other responsibilities may be assigned as needed. 

• This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license. 

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

TRAVEL 

Up to 10% travel may be required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment and around technical equipment including computers and lasers.  Able to sit, stand, bend, lift and carry up to 40 pounds without assistance.  Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in-person).  Any required Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and must be properly used in accordance with company requirements. 

Benefits

The targeted salary range for this role is $140,000 to $175,000 on an annualized basis plus eligibility to participate in our annual incentive plan.

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:

• 100% company paid Employee coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short/Long Term Disability insurance programs
• Employer funded Health Savings Account
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Matching Programs
• Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Healthcare Savings Account
• Paid FMLA Leave
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Employer Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment
• Equity Package

Equal Opportunity

Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin color, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued, welcomed, and appreciated here. We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

If this opportunity interests you and you fit the job description, please submit an application. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability, please feel free to contact us at hr@coldquanta.com.