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Phd Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate preventative and corrective maintenance activities with building engineering and service ... Experience with AutoCAD or space management software is a plus. * Ability to lift and move office ...

$60K - $70K/yr

As a Software Engineer Intern, you'll work side-by-side with your mentor and teammates to build ... A student pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering * On ...

As a Software Engineer Intern, you'll work side-by-side with your mentor and teammates to build ... A student pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering * On ...

Software Engineer III, Access Transparency

Chicago, IL · On-site

$59.25 - $79.50/hr

Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or related technical fields. * 2 years of experience with software development in one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, C, C , Java, JavaScript)

Senior System Software Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a Sr. Systems Software Engineer for the Apache Spark Acceleration group. Over the ... development * BS/MS/PhD in computer science or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Showing results 41-60

Phd Software Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$61.5K

$143K

$199.1K

How much do phd software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd software engineer in Illinois is $142,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,300.00 and $167,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD software engineer?

A PhD Software Engineer is a professional who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree specializing in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, and works in designing, developing, and optimizing software systems. They often engage in advanced research, develop innovative algorithms, and solve complex technical problems. Their expertise is typically utilized in roles that require deep technical knowledge, research skills, and the ability to push the boundaries of current technology. PhD Software Engineers are commonly found in academia, research institutions, and leading technology companies.

What does a PhD software engineer do?

As a PhD Software Engineer, you are often entrusted with tackling complex problems and leading research-driven projects that require advanced analytical and technical skills. Your daily work may involve designing novel algorithms, conducting experiments, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as data scientists and product managers. Additionally, you might mentor junior engineers and help shape the technical direction of your team. This role leverages your research background to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical software solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD software engineer?

A PhD Software Engineer requires advanced programming expertise, strong analytical and research skills, and typically a doctorate in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with specialized programming languages, version control systems like Git, and experience with research-oriented software tools are common technical requirements. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help bridge the gap between research and practical application. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, translating complex theories into scalable solutions, and contributing to cutting-edge technology projects.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Phd Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Phd Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Phd Software Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,954 per year, or $68.7 per hour.

Quantum Software Engineer - Energy Grid Optimization

Infleqtion

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

We are seeking a Quantum Software Engineer with expertise in quantum optimization algorithms and quantum error correction techniques and an interest in applying that expertise to energy grid optimization problems.
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 energy grid optimization
  • Write and test code to apply quantum algorithms to energy grid optimization problems
  • Interface and collaborate with external groups interested in using quantum computing to solve energy grid optimization problems
  • Contribute to development of government and commercial energy grid optimization 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 energy grid optimization
  • 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.
  • Experience with quantum algorithms used for optimization applications: QAOA, IQP circuits, quantum annealing, etc.
  • Familiarity with theoretical aspects of quantum optimization algorithms: parameter transfer, barren plateaus, classical optimization algorithms, etc.
  • Experience with quantum error correction and partial quantum error correction techniques: iceberg codes, encoding, decoding, etc.
  • Familiarity with energy grid optimization: unit commitment, N-k contingency, etc.
  • Experience optimizing quantum circuits: mapping/routing, gate decomposition, etc.
  • Experience with both noiseless and noisy simulation of quantum circuits
  • Experience running quantum circuits on quantum hardware and analyzing the results thereof.
  • 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 Google Cloud Platform 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: 00 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