Principal Engineer, Quantum Software Development
About The Position
Outshift is Cisco’s incubation team, and its quantum group operates Cisco Quantum Labs, developing hardware and software for the quantum internet. The group’s work includes an entanglement chip developed with UC Santa Barbara and the Cisco Universal Quantum Switch. As a hands-on technical leader, the Principal Software Engineer will guide engineers while contributing to the architecture and development of quantum software and hardware systems. The role develops distributed systems and enables hardware-software integration for quantum networking initiatives. It applies software architecture and quantum mechanics expertise to quantum control, orchestration, and error correction, helping shape the technical direction of Cisco’s Quantum Data Center and quantum internet vision.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 15 years of related experience, or a master’s degree and 12 years, or a PhD and 8 years, or equivalent related work experience.
- 10 or more years of software engineering experience focused on software architecture, system design, and distributed systems.
- Experience using Golang and/or Python to design and deliver scalable, production-grade applications.
- Experience in technical leadership or people management while continuing hands-on contributions to codebases and system architecture.
- Experience in hardware-software integration and co-design, with foundational understanding of quantum mechanics and complex system architectures.
Nice To Haves
- Sophisticated expertise in quantum control and orchestration for quantum networking or computing systems.
- Direct experience developing and implementing error correction and noise mitigation strategies in quantum environments.
- Experience leading innovative technology products from early-stage development to commercial readiness.
- Experience mentoring engineers, fostering an inclusive team culture, and collaborating across cross-functional research and development groups.
- Advanced degree in Computer Science, Physics, Quantum Engineering, or a related technical field.
Responsibilities
- Guide a team of engineers while contributing hands-on to software and system architecture and development.
- Develop and implement distributed systems.
- Ensure hardware-software integration for quantum networking initiatives.
- Drive development of quantum control, orchestration, and error correction solutions.
- Influence technical direction for Cisco’s Quantum Data Center and quantum internet initiatives.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution
- Paid parental leave
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Basic life insurance
- Paid holidays and a floating holiday for non-exempt employees
- Birthday day off, year-end holiday shutdown, and paid personal wellness days
- Paid vacation or flexible vacation time off, depending on employee classification
- Sick time off
- Additional paid time away may be requested for critical or emergency family issues
- Optional paid volunteer days
- Annual bonuses for non-sales roles, subject to Cisco policies
- Potential grants of Cisco restricted stock units, subject to continued employment and vesting terms
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
