Engineering Graduate Scheme

Cambridge, UK | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid 

Salary: £40,000.00

About us 

Riverlane’s mission is to master quantum error correction (QEC) and unlock a new age of human progress. From advances in material and climate science, to complex chemistry simulation for new drug design, quantum computers will help humanity solve some of its most important challenges. But without QEC, the industry’s defining technical challenge, such breakthroughs can never be achieved.  Riverlane is the world leader in QEC technology. QEC is a complex problem that requires a range of skills, talent and passion.  

Having raised more than $125M in funding to date to accelerate our cutting-edge R&D in quantum error correction (QEC), Riverlane partners with many of the world’s leading quantum hardware providers and government agencies to make fault-tolerant quantum computing a reality. We’re making remarkable progress and growing fast.  

About the role 

Riverlane’s Engineering Graduate Scheme is designed for graduates in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Engineering, Physics, Maths and related subjects who want to build a career in quantum computing. 

You will join us as a permanent, full-time employee at our head office in Cambridge, UK. During your first 12 months, you will rotate through Engineering teams, gaining hands-on experience of different technical challenges and approaches to developing QEC technology. Your work throughout the scheme will focus on engineering, in close collaboration with research teams and learn how research is translated into working technology. 

You will have a dedicated supervisor to support you through your rotations and help you develop your technical and professional skills. You will take on meaningful work from the outset, while learning from experienced colleagues across our multidisciplinary team. 

You do not need a background in quantum computing. You will have the opportunity to learn about QEC as part of the scheme. 

At the end of the programme year, you will move into an Engineering team or Engineering Research role to continue developing your career at Riverlane. 

What you will do

• Design, develop and improve software or hardware tools used in quantum computing and QEC 

• Contribute to engineering projects from initial design through implementation, testing and improvement 

• Learn how to build and test complex products at the cutting edge of technology 

• Work with engineers and scientists from different disciplines to solve technical problems 

• Develop your engineering skills through hands-on work, feedback and support from your team 

What we need 

• A completed or in-progress Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or a related subject.

• Graduation in 2026 or expected graduation in 2027.

• Evidence of strong technical skills and creative problem-solving through academic work, research, personal projects or other relevant experience.

• Experience with at least one programming language, preferably C++ or Python.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

• The ability to take initiative and work effectively as part of a team.

• An interest in applying your skills in an industrial setting and a strong desire to learn.

Important notes 

The Engineering Graduate Scheme is the beginning of a permanent, full-time career at Riverlane. The 2027 intake will start in autumn 2027. The rotational element lasts for 12 months, after which graduates will move into an Engineering team or Engineering Research role. 

Application Deadline & Selection Process

Please submit your application by Friday 6 November 2026.

Stage 1: Remote technical challenges
These will be arranged individually, with seven days to complete them. All challenges must be completed by Monday 7 December 2026.

Stage 2: Assessment day
An assessment day will be held at our headquarters in Cambridge, UK, on Thursday 14 January 2027. Please keep this date available.

How to apply  

Please upload a CV and covering letter. Your covering letter should explain why you are applying for Riverlane’s Graduate Recruitment Scheme and what skills and experience you feel you can bring to the role.  

What can you expect from us 

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer private medical insurance, a health cash plan and life assurance, as well as many other benefits

You can also expect a diverse work environment that brings together experts in many fields (including software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics and maths) and over 25 different nationalities. 

If you have any queries, please contact jobs@riverlane.com. Please do not send your applications to this email address, all applications should be submitted via our careers page.

Everyone is welcome at Riverlane. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from eligible and suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity/paternity. 

Women and other underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a role unless they meet all or nearly all of the requirements.  If this applies to you, we still encourage you to apply - you may be a great fit, even if you don’t meet every single qualification. We’d love to hear from you. 

If you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process so you can do your best, please let us know. We will be happy to help. 

GDPR notice: Riverlane collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details.