Quantum Firmware Developer

Introduction

Do you want to grow your career and challenge yourself? Are you interested in designing high-impact solutions to solve complex problems? Do you want to be part of an agile, cross-disciplinary team that collaborates to develop end-to-end solutions in the exciting field of Quantum computing? As a member of the Quantum Instrumentation Control firmware team, you will have the opportunity to work with world-class talent to develop our next-generation of Quantum computers. Our team works in a fast-paced, highly visible, matrixed environment where the opportunities for technical growth and leadership are extensive.

As a Firmware Developer, you will be responsible for writing code to interact with and control Quantum systems, and/or for creating testing scripts and regression framework to validate firmware. The Firmware team provides low level software that bridges Quantum Control System Hardware through the Hardware Abstraction Layer which interfaces with the Quantum Cloud based software stack. Additionally, the Quantum Firmware team provides support to the Lab Validation (early user hardware) and delivery of Quantum Control Systems. A background in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering with strong programming skills is required.

Your role and responsibilities

• Firmware Development: Write firmware/drivers in C/C++/python to control room-temperature electronics for Quantum computer systems. Continuously innovate and improve firmware designs for new generations of Quantum hardware.
• Collaboration and Communication: Effectively communicate and collaborate with worldwide multidisciplinary teams, including Quantum hardware, Quantum software/QuOS, and IBM Research.
• Testing and Failure Analysis: Debug failures to find firmware or hardware bugs. Improve the team's testing capabilities using scripting languages like python and DevOps practices.

Required education

Master's Degree

Preferred education

Master's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

• Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
• Strong programming skills: Proficiency in Python/C/C++ or similar object-oriented languages.
• Knowledge of GitHub, Unix, and test driven development/automation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Growth mindset; Motivated self learner able to thrive in fast-paced environments.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• 2+ years of experience in the tech/computing industry
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams - hardware and software development
• Understanding of Agile development and DevOps processes
• Proficiency in Python/pytest or other scripting languages
• Familiarity with IBM Quantum architecture
• Understanding of ASIC or FPGA development engineering processes
• Experience working in a lab environment and hands-on with electronics hardware or ASICs
• Knowledge of Jenkins CI automation, YOCTO/petalinux, or digital signal processing

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Systems helps IT leaders think differently about their infrastructure. IBM servers and storage are no longer inanimate - they can understand, reason, and learn so our clients can innovate while avoiding IT issues. Our systems power the world's most important industries and our clients are the architects of the future. Join us to help build our leading-edge technology portfolio designed for cognitive business and optimized for cloud computing.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an IBMer?

ABOUT IBM

IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:

• Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
• Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
• Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
• Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
• Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences

The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

This position is eligible for participation in an IBM Sales Incentive plan. Actual incentive opportunity will be based on performance and the eligible Target Incentive, as addressed in the applicable plan, all of which is subject to change. The compensation range listed for this position is the IBM Reference Salary that is used when you are not actively participating in a sales plan. Your actual base pay plus incentive opportunity will be determined by the Incentive Plan assigned to you.

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.

IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

Client-provided location(s): Rochester, MN

Job ID: IBM-55156

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-09-04T18:52:34