Senior Embedded Software Development Engineer

About This Role

This engineering role focuses on developing core embedded software that powers custom quantum readout instruments. It involves building reliable, high-performance userspace C++ systems that directly interface with Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and System on a Chip (SoC)-based hardware to operate and measure topological qubits. The work sits at the intersection of hardware, software, and physics, requiring close collaboration with quantum experimentalists, FPGA engineers, and software partners to transform cutting-edge research into robust instrument platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain critical userspace C++ services that control and operate quantum readout instruments, with accountability for quality, performance, and reliability
• Build and optimize near-real-time data pipelines from FPGA/SoC hardware to client software, including Direct Memory Access (DMA)-based transfers, buffering strategies, and latency-sensitive execution
• Implement and debug interfaces to FPGA and SoC components using Memory-Mapped I/O (MMIO), interrupts, and driver Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), working closely with hardware and FPGA engineers to resolve integration issues
• Develop robust C++ services that support multiple concurrent clients, versioned binary protocols, and service discovery across lab and deployment environments
• Design structured logging, telemetry, health monitoring, and crash diagnostics to support long-running, remotely operated instruments
• Develop simulation and mock modes for hardware-dependent code, contribute to Continuous Integration (CI) and hardware-in-the-loop testing, and validate changes across software and FPGA boundaries
• Partner with experimentalists, control/readout engineers, FPGA teams, and client developers to deliver integrated solutions, leveraging modern and AI-assisted tools to accelerate development
• Embody our Culture and Values

Requirements

• Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) experience in industry or in a research and development environment, could include completion of a post doctoral research position
• OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
• OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
• OR equivalent experience
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements is required for this role, including:
• Microsoft Cloud Background Check (upon hire and every two years thereafter)
• Citizenship and Citizenship Verification: This role may require access to export-controlled information under applicable regulations (e.g., ITAR, EAR). Eligibility will be assessed in accordance with legal requirements