Director of Open-Source Software

College Park, MD, US | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid 

Salary: $240,000 to $270,000 DOE

The salary range for this role is broad, as we are able to consider varying levels of experience.  Any offer made will carefully take into account level of experience (including relevant industry experience), transferable relevant skills and previous relevant achievements.

Riverlane’s mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science, to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry’s defining technical challenge, such breakthroughs can never be achieved.  Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.  

Having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), Riverlane partners with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault-tolerant quantum computing a reality. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast.  

We are opening an office in Maryland to work more closely with the US government agencies, national laboratories and research institutions that are shaping the future of quantum computing. This role is one of our founding hires there. You will help establish Riverlane's presence in one of the densest concentrations of quantum research in the world, and have a direct hand in how we build the team, the partnerships and the programs that follow.

Riverlane’s overarching mission is making quantum computing useful sooner. To achieve this goal we need to provide future developers with tools and frameworks that enable great science. As for-profit company, open-source is an investment in our future: we want to grow the quantum community, help them learn this nascent technology and evolve it together. In this role, you will set our direction in this space, driving our open-source efforts, identifying the components that can be used by the community, building them either from zero or by adapting our internal toolboxes and finally disseminating their value.

You will be responsible for Deltakit, our open SDK, driving the teams that develop analysis tools, simulators, visualizers and core components. You will use your technical expertise to set priorities and directions in collaboration with our product team and in line with our business model, effectively shaping and building our products. You will interface with the internal developer community to understand and support them, as well as the global community. Finally, you will identify opportunities to amplify internal efforts and build software that is widely accessible to the global ecosystem.

• Proven experience in leading large open-source projects with real impact and sufficient technical or scientific complexity
• Excellent software skills in Python, C++.
• Understanding of one or more of the following areas:
  • Compilers
  • Simulators (ideally Quantum Simulators)
  • Analysis tools
  • Programming Languages
• Track record of working with developer ecosystems, ideally with experience as maintainer.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Team leadership experience.
• Member of open-source groups.

• Good understanding of Quantum Computing
• PhD in Computer Science or a related discipline from a top University
• Organiser of open-source groups.

• A comprehensive benefits package that includes an annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, and 401K contributions
• Equity, so that our team can share in the long-term success of Riverlane
• Generous paid time off and enhanced family leave
• A diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and math) and over 20 different nationalities
• A learning environment that encourages individual, team and company growth and development, including a regular program of learning events and training and conference budgets

Please upload your resume and covering letter by clicking 'Apply'. Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for the job and what skills and experience you can bring to the role. 

We review CVs as we receive them and interview as soon as we have applications that look like a good match. We do not use closing dates. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this role. 

If you have any queries, please contact jobs@riverlane.com. 

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity. 

Women and other underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a role unless they meet all or nearly all of the requirements.  If this applies to you, we still encourage you to apply - you may be a great fit, even if you don’t meet every single qualification. We’d love to hear from you. 

If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help. 

GDPR notice: Riverlane collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details.