Senior QPU Software Engineer

Overview

Senior FPGA Engineer - Quantum Computing Control Systems. Join QuEra Computing's engineering team to develop cutting-edge FPGA systems for neutral atom quantum computers. You'll work on real-time control systems that manipulate individual atoms with microsecond precision, enabling breakthrough quantum algorithms and applications.

We're seeking a Senior FPGA Engineer to design, implement, and optimize high-performance FPGA systems for quantum computing applications. You'll work on complex real-time control systems, high-speed data acquisition, and precision timing systems that are critical to our quantum computer's operation.

• Core FPGA Development
  • Design and implement System Verilog modules for quantum control systems including:
  • Scheduled multitone generators for RF/microwave quantum gates
  • Real-time pulse sequencers for laser control
  • High-speed ADC/DAC interfaces (16-bit, 4 samples/clock)
  • Hardware-accelerated image processing for atom detection
  • Develop and maintain Ulti-board FPGA designs (Xilinx Zynq Ultra Scale+ RFSoC)
  • Implement high-speed serial interfaces (CoaXPress, Aurora, AXI4-Stream)
  • Design clock domain crossing logic with proper CDC verification
  • Optimize resource utilization and timing closure for complex designs
• System Integration & Verification
  • Create comprehensive test benches using System Verilog and Python (cocotb)
  • Develop simulation models for quantum control peripherals
  • Implement formal verification for critical timing constraints
  • Design and validate real-time trigger and synchronization systems
  • Troubleshoot hardware-software integration issues
• Performance & Reliability
  • Optimize data throughput for high-bandwidth quantum control signals
  • Implement error detection and recovery mechanisms
  • Design robust clocking architectures for multi-domain systems
  • Develop monitoring and diagnostics for system health
  • Ensure deterministic timing for quantum gate operations

Essential Skills

• 5+ years FPGA development experience with Xilinx Ultra Scale+ devices
• Expert-level System Verilog with modern verification methodologies
• Experience with high-speed serial protocols (Aurora, AXI4, PCIe, Ethernet)
• Real-time systems design with microsecond timing requirements
• Digital signal processing implementation in FPGAs
• Clock domain crossing design and verification
• Python programming for test automation and data analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• RF/microwave systems experience (frequency synthesis, phase-locked loops)
• High-speed ADC/DAC interfaces (JESD
  204B/C, RFSoC experience)
• Image processing algorithms (centroid detection, pattern recognition)
• Formal verification using System Verilog assertions
• CoaXPress or camera interface experience
• AWS/cloud development environments
• Familiar with High Level Synthesis and Vivado block design

• FPGA Tools:
  Vivado 2022.2+, Vitis, Peta Linux
• Languages:
  
  System Verilog, Verilog, Python, TCL
• Verification: UVM, cocotb, pytest, formal verification
• Protocols: AXI4, AXI4-Stream, Aurora, CoaXPress, SPI, I2C
• Boards:
  Xilinx ZCU
  102/111/216, RFSoC platforms
• Development:
  Git, CI/CD, AWS EC2, Linux

You'll work on systems like:

• Quantum Gate Control: 8-channel RF tone generators with 0.1 Hz frequency resolution
• Atom Detection:
  Real-time image processing at 1+ Gbps data rates
• Precision Timing:
  Synchronized control sequences
• Data Acquisition:
  High-speed capture of quantum measurement results
• System Integration:
  Multi-board coordination for scalable quantum computers

• Cutting-edge technology:
  Work on the forefront of quantum computing
• High-impact projects:
  Your code directly enables quantum algorithms
• Technical growth:
  Learn quantum physics while advancing FPGA skills
• Collaborative environment:
  Work with physicists, software engineers, and system architects

• Design Quality:
  Clean, well-documented, and maintainable System Verilog code
• Performance:
  Meeting timing requirements for real-time quantum control
• Reliability:
  Robust error handling and system monitoring
• Innovation:
  Proposing and implementing improvements to quantum control systems
• Collaboration:
  
  Effective communication with cross-functional teams

• Bachelor's/master’s in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or Physics
• 5+ years FPGA development with complex, real-time systems
• Experience with quantum computing, RF systems, or precision instrumentation preferred
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills for technical documentation and team collaboration

Quantum computers represent the next frontier in computing, with potential to revolutionize cryptography, optimization, and scientific simulation. As an FPGA engineer on our team, you'll build the hardware foundation that makes quantum algorithms possible - controlling individual atoms with unprecedented precision to create the quantum states that power breakthrough applications. This work will directly impact our ability to scale quantum computers and bring…