Senior Compiler Engineer

QLever is building the software platform that sits between quantum algorithms and the hardware that runs them — enabling developers and researchers to build, optimize, and deploy quantum applications across architectures. Our work is grounded in deep theory, developed in close collaboration with leading academic institutions, and built to accelerate the path to fault-tolerant quantum computing.

We're looking for a Senior Compiler Engineer to own our compiler and code generation infrastructure. This is the technical core of what we build. You don't need a quantum background to do this job — you need to be a strong compiler engineer who is curious about quantum and wants to learn it. We'll teach you the quantum side; it's a smaller step than it looks.

What you'll work on

• Design and evolve the intermediate representation and compilation pipeline for quantum programs
• Build and maintain transformation passes: optimization, circuit rewriting
• Work with our science team on the theory-to-implementation boundary — turning rigorous mathematical models into efficient, maintainable code
• Interface with existing quantum SDKs and hardware backends to ensure portability across architectures
• Help shape the technical foundations of the compiler stack from an early stage

What we're looking for

We're looking for an experienced compiler or systems engineer who is genuinely curious about quantum computing. Quantum knowledge is a plus, not a requirement — what matters is that you want to learn it. If you've built compilers, interpreters, program analysis tools, or language toolchains, and the idea of applying that to quantum programs excites you, we want to hear from you.

Essential:

• Good understanding of algorithms and algorithmic analysis
• Hands-on experience with compiler or language toolchains: IR design, transformation and optimization passes, code generation, or program analysis — with LLVM, MLIR, a comparable framework, or something you built yourself
• Strong programming skills, including in Python and at least one of Rust or C++
• Experience shipping and maintaining production-quality software: architecture, APIs, testing, and maintainability
• Genuine curiosity about quantum computing and the willingness to learn the mathematics behind it
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
• Flexibility to work across different aspects of the compiler stack and to take on tasks that support the growth of the company

Strong advantage:

• Production experience with Rust — it's the language we're building the compiler in
• Background in formal methods, type systems, or programming language theory
• Experience building developer-facing tooling or SDKs
• Experience with scientific computing, numerical software, or performance optimization

Nice to have — we'll teach you the rest:

• Some exposure to quantum computing — coursework, a side project, reading, or research all count
• Direct experience with quantum circuit compilers (Qiskit, TKET, PennyLane, or similar)

What we offer

Competitive market salary, meaningful equity options, and the chance to be among the first engineers shaping the compiler stack at a serious quantum software company. Hybrid out of Amsterdam — remote possible for the right person.