Senior Backend Engineer – Opal Platform

About the role

Q-CTRL is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to own Python APIs and micro‑services for the Opal Platform, enabling users and partners to access quantum software products worldwide.

Key responsibilities

• Design, build, test and document Python REST and GraphQL APIs and the supporting micro‑services.
• Translate product stories into working software using BDD‑style specifications.
• Leverage AI coding assistants (e.g., Copilot, Claude Code) for implementation, test generation, refactoring and documentation while ensuring quality.
• Evaluate and shape AI tool usage, write prompts, set guardrails and share best practices.
• Review pull requests rigorously, including AI‑generated code.
• Improve reliability, performance and security of distributed systems.
• Mentor teammates and openly share knowledge.

Required profile

• 5+ years of professional software development, including 3+ years in Python.
• Strong experience building web APIs (REST, GraphQL) with Django or FastAPI.
• Fluent with AI tools in the development workflow and good judgement on their use.
• Experience with OIDC/OAuth2 (Keycloak) and sound testing habits (BDD, automated tests, CI/CD).
• Clear communication skills and ability to work with diverse internal audiences.
• Comfort moving fast in a scale‑up environment and a degree in computer science or equivalent experience.

Required skills

• Python
• Django or FastAPI
• REST and GraphQL
• OIDC/OAuth2 (Keycloak)
• Behavior‑Driven Development (BDD)
• CI/CD pipelines
• Ray
• RabbitMQ

What we offer

• Flexible work arrangements and emphasis on outcomes over hours.
• Equity potential and competitive benefits.
• High‑performance culture with opportunities to shape the future of quantum computing.