Software Engineer: Quantum Compiler

Location:

Zurich, Switzerland

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Department:
Quantum Architecture

We are seeking a mid-level Compiler Engineer to design and build the compilation stack for ZuriQ's 2D Penning trap quantum computing architecture. You will work on the full pipeline from high-level quantum circuits down to hardware-native pulse sequences, with particular emphasis on 2D ion transport compilation, one of the most technically demanding and least explored problems in the field. You will work at the intersection of classical compiler engineering and quantum hardware constraints to build a modular, extensible compiler.

While the role is primarily software-engineering-focused, a working understanding of trapped-ion or Penning trap physics will help you make the right architectural decisions when hardware realities meet compiler abstractions.

• Design and implement MLIR-based compilation passes for quantum circuits targeting our 2D Penning trap architecture.
• Develop and optimize the 2D ion transport compilation layer: routing, sequencing, and scheduling ion shuttling operations under hardware timing and connectivity constraints.
• Build quantum circuit optimization passes (gate synthesis, peephole rewriting, commutation-aware reordering) as MLIR dialects and transformations.
• Define and maintain intermediate representations (IRs) that bridge abstract quantum algorithms and hardware instructions set.
• Collaborate with control software engineers to ensure compiled output is directly consumable by the hardware backend.
• Profile compilation pipeline performance and optimize for both compilation speed and output quality (gate count, depth, transport overhead).
• Contribute to internal tooling, testing infrastructure, and documentation for the compiler stack.
• Stay current with the research landscape in quantum compilation, transport-aware scheduling, and trapped-ion architectures.

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• +2 years of professional experience in compiler engineering.
• Strong proficiency in C++ (modern C++17/20) for systems-level compiler development.
• Solid Python skills for tooling, testing, and integration with quantum software ecosystems (Qiskit, Penny Lane, or similar).
• Solid understanding of compiler fundamentals: IR design, pass management, dataflow analysis, and code generation.
• Ability to reason about hardware constraints and translate them into compiler policies.

• Experience writing custom MLIR dialects and transformation.
• Demonstrated experience in quantum circuit compilation or optimization.
• Familiarity with trapped-ion, Penning trap, or other atomic quantum hardware.
• Experience with ion transport or qubit routing problems graph-structured architectures.
• Contributions to open-source quantum software or compiler projects.

• Play a key role in building and shaping a new compiler stack.
• Direct access to cutting-edge 2D Penning trap hardware.
• Competitive compensation and equity. Stock option plan that allows you to become a true shareholder in the company.
• Flexible work environment (home office).
• Be part of a dynamic team that operates on four core principles:
  Excellence, Reliability, Trust & Open Feedback.
• Zurich constantly ranks at or near the top of most liveable cities in the world. Whether you like the arts, sports or nature, Zurich has it all on offer.
• 30 days of holiday.

The 2D Penning trap architecture presents a fundamentally different set of constraints from mainstream ion trap or superconducting platforms. Ion transport in two dimensions introduces a rich, largely unsolved compilation challenge, and your work will define how ZuriQ's hardware is programmed  will be building the bridge between quantum algorithms and a novel physical platform, with direct influence on system performance and long-term scalability.

You'll have real opportunities to publish and patent your work.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.