Senior Software Engineer - Optimisation at alice-bob

Alice & Bob is developing the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer to solve the world’s hardest problems. The quantum computer we envision building is based on a new kind of superconducting qubit: the Schrödinger cat qubit. In comparison to other superconducting platforms, cat qubits have the astonishing ability to implement quantum error correction autonomously! We are at the forefront of the quantum race, competing with tech giants such as Google or IBM, and we are growing fast after securing  €100 million of funding in 2025 to develop our unique technology. Currently 100+ and counting, between physicists, PhD students, engineers and experienced business professionals, we are united to reach our ambitious goal. Are you a quantum pioneer? Join us on a mission to reshape the future! About the role: The Performance Optimization team is a unique hybrid of physicists and ML engineers improving the quality, speed and reliability of the quantum chip lifecycle, from chip design to optimal error correction. As a Senior Software Engineer at Alice & Bob, you will serve as the architectural anchor for the team, building the robust software ecosystem required to scale quantum innovations from proof-of-concept to mission-critical production systems. Your impact extends beyond individual contributions; you will raise the engineering bar across the organization by designing scalable frameworks, enforcing rigorous best practices, and acting as the primary liaison between our research-driven initiatives and the broader software engineering team. In this role, you aren't just writing code—you are architecting the foundational systems that will define the future of fault-tolerant quantum computing. Responsibilities • Software Architecture & Strategy: Lead the transition of software culture from experimental scripts to robust, production-grade systems. You will architect the frameworks and data pipelines that underpin our optimization stack, ensuring modularity, scalability, and long-term maintainability. • Engineering Culture & Standards: Elevate the software engineering maturity of the team. You will grow best practices in code quality, automated testing, API design, and documentation, mentoring both ML engineers and physicists. • System Implementation: Hands-on building of critical infrastructure and backend services. You will develop frameworks used by dozens of researchers, and integrate our ML models with the quantum hardware control stack and data platforms. • Cross-Team Coordination: Serve as the technical bridge between the Performance Optimization team and other software engineering groups. You will ensure our tooling aligns with company-wide architectural standards and leverage existing platforms. Requirements • Experience: 5+ years of industry experience in Software Engineering, with a track record of designing and maintaining complex backend production systems. • Technical Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Python. Deep understanding of software design patterns, API architecture, and asynchronous programming. • Production Engineering: Solid experience with the full software lifecycle, including CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and cloud infrastructure management. • Communication & Leadership: Proven ability to explain complex engineering trade-offs to non-software experts (e.g., scientists) and experience driving technical consensus across teams. Nice to Have • Background in physics: Education in physics or experience working alongside physicists. • Machine learning expertise: Experience applying ML in industry, or working alongside ML scientists. You understand the challenges of modelling, evaluation and inference. • Specific software expertise: Hands-on experience working with functional programming and scientific computing, in particular on GPU with JAX. • Zero-to-One Mindset: A proven track record of taking ownership of ambiguous problems and delivering structured, stable software solutions without needing hand-holding. Benefits • Our success is your success: own it with our BSPCE plan • Direct IP Compensation: Earn substantial bonuses for driving the core patents that define our quantum architecture. • Flexible remote policy, up to 40 % a month • A Parental Plan including additional benefits such as crèche support or additional days-off to take care of under 12 years old children • Subsidized membership with Urban Sports Club • Mental health support with moka.care • 25-day vacation policy (as per French law) + RTT • Half of transportation cost coverage (as per French law), or yearly allowance for the die-hard bicycle users • Competitive health coverage with Alan • Meal vouchers with Swile, as well as access to a fully equipped and regularly stocked kitchen • French language courses covered by the company for those interested Recruitment Process • Screening Call with Grace, Talent Acquisition Specialist (30 min) • Hiring Manager Interview with Etienne, Senior Manager, Performance Optimisation (45 min) • Take-home assessment • Technical Interview/Presentation with the Team (90 min) • Leadership Team Interview (45 min) • Fit Interview (45 min) • Reference check Research shows that women might feel hesitant to apply for this job if they don't match 100% of the job requirements listed. This list is a guide, and we'd love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match. We are looking to build teams that innovate, not just tick boxes on a job spec. You will join of one of the most innovative startups in France at an early stage, to be part of a passionate and friendly team on its mission to build the first universal quantum computer! We love to share and learn from one another, so you will be certain to innovate, develop new ideas, and have the space to grow.