Software Development Manager - Compilation (Hybrid)

About Xanadu:

Xanadu’s mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere.

At Xanadu, we are learners, innovators, researchers, collaborators and problem solvers. We are creating something that has never been built before.  What we are doing is extremely hard, the classic moon shot. Few people in their life will be able to be a part of something like this, where if we are successful, the technologies we develop will solve some of the world’s most challenging problems and literally change the world. And that is something to be excited about!

Your role and responsibilities:

Xanadu is looking for an experienced Software Development Manager to lead our Quantum Compilation team. The team is developing JIT and AOT hybrid compilation pipelines for PennyLane, an open-source library for quantum machine learning, quantum computing, and quantum chemistry. Although quantum software development experience is not required for the role, a strong compilation background is strongly preferred.

You will:

• Manage a team of 7-10 developers to build new features and optimize the PennyLane compiler.
• Work with Product Managers to define direction and roadmap for the team.
• Participate in sprints with cross-functional teams, ensuring features are delivered efficiently and on time.
• Work closely with our product team to drive library adoption, and to ensure good feedback loops between external stakeholders and internal teams.
• Develop and improve processes to ensure developer efficiency and consistent product delivery.
• Perform team-building activities such as hiring, mentorship, career development and performance management.

Basic qualifications and experience:

• Advanced Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Math, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of compiler development experience.
• 2+ years of management experience.
• Understanding of advanced compiler optimization techniques.
• Experience with MLIR and LLVM core libraries.
• Experience with benchmarking and performance-oriented optimizations.
• Familiarity with automatic differentiation methods and frameworks (e.g., Autograd, Torch, TensorFlow, JAX).
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• Expertise in quantum computing, as demonstrated by in-field experience, extensive coursework, thesis, or peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with numerical computation and high-performance computing using Python and/or C++.
• Experience developing open-source software.