Lead Photonics Scientist

JobTarget
London, England
13 months ago
Applications closed

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Science Led, Enterprise Driven – Accelerating Quantum Computing

Quantinuum is the world’s largest integrated quantum company, pioneering powerful quantum computers and advanced software solutions. Quantinuum’s technology drives breakthroughs in materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next-gen quantum AI. With approximately 500 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, Quantinuum leads the quantum computing revolution across continents.

We unite best-in-class software with high-fidelity hardware to accelerate quantum computing. With integrated full-stack technology, our world-class team is rapidly scaling quantum computing.

Quantinuum recently secured $300M in funding, visit our news pages to learn more about this and other Quantinuum scientific breakthroughs and achievements:https://www.quantinuum.com/news

We are seeking aLead Photonics Scientistin ourNew MexicoLocation.

All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Plan, design, and build new photonics laboratory and optical metrology equipment to target the high-sensitivity requirements for an ion-trap based quantum computer.
  • Work with a diverse team, including photonics designers, fabrication experts, atomic physicists, and engineers to validate unprecedented integrated photonic technology and optimize fabrication.
  • Characterize individual photonic components, optical output of photonic chips, and overall photonic circuit performance.
  • Develop and use high-sensitivity measurement techniques to evaluate the optical output of photonic chips for suitability.
  • Develop new concepts for metrology testbeds to evaluate active and alternative photonic materials and architectures.
  • Communicate ground-breaking results both internally and externally through publications and presentations.
  • Intermittent travel <10%

YOU MUST HAVE:

  • Master’s Degree Minimum
  • 6+ years of experience degree inclusive with photonic integrated circuit design and/or testing.
  • Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person. defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
  • Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:

  • PhD in Optics, Physics, or Engineering preferred
  • 8+ years of experience with design and implementation of optical experiments including familiarity with optoelectronic devices (e.g., lasers and photodetectors), optical fiber, optical components (e.g., lenses, mirrors, and polarizers), and commonly used scientific software.
  • Demonstrated leadership on a technical project utilizing a team of skilled contributors with varying backgrounds
  • Experience in designing and building a lab and/or complex apparatus, from concept through execution of applications or research activities.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with published results within their field of research.
  • Strong communication skills evidenced by a history of multidisciplinary collaboration with external parties and/or customers on large-scale projects.
  • Demonstrated history of mentoring junior scientists.
  • Nanophotonic design using photonic simulation tools such as: FDTD, FEM, or optical mode solver (Lumerical/COMSOL/RCWA/RSoft or similar tools)
  • Deep knowledge of on-chip photonics, fiber-to-chip coupling, and modulation techniques.
  • Experience with micro- and nano-fabrication (e.g., electron beam and/or photolithography, wet and dry etching, scanning electron microscopy, wafer and sample handling, and general cleanroom practices)
  • Experience with scientific coding and data analysis and visualization, and familiarity with commonly used software packages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, etc.)
Compensation & Benefits:
Range posted is inclusive of bonus target when applicable
Incentive Eligible
Estimated Salary Wage: $158,000 - $190,000 Annually





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Industry Insights

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Where to Advertise Quantum Computing Jobs in the UK (2026 Guide)

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Quantum Computing Jobs UK 2026: What to Expect Over the Next 3 Years

Quantum computing is no longer a discipline that exists purely in academic papers and government roadmaps. It is entering a phase of genuine commercial momentum — one that is beginning to reshape the jobs market in ways that are both significant and, for well-positioned job seekers, enormously promising. The UK sits at the centre of this shift. With the government's £2 billion National Quantum Strategy committed through to 2034, a network of world-class university research groups, a growing cluster of quantum hardware and software companies, and deepening investment from major technology and defence organisations, Britain has established itself as one of a handful of countries genuinely competing at the frontier of quantum computing development and commercialisation. But the quantum computing jobs market of 2026 is a nuanced one. It is not yet the broad, deep hiring market that artificial intelligence or cloud computing represents. It is a specialist, technically demanding, and rapidly evolving landscape where the roles being created today look quite different from those that existed three years ago — and where the roles that will dominate hiring in 2028 are already beginning to take shape. The candidates who will thrive over the next three years are those who understand where the sector is heading — which technical areas are moving from research into commercial application, which adjacent skills are becoming as important as quantum physics itself, and how to position a quantum computing career that will remain valuable as the technology scales. This article breaks down what the UK quantum computing jobs market is likely to look like through to 2028 — covering the titles emerging right now, the technologies driving employer demand, the skills that will matter most, and how to position your career at the leading edge of one of the most consequential technology transitions of the coming decade.

New Quantum Computing Employers to Watch in 2026: UK and International Companies Advancing Quantum Careers

Quantum computing is no longer confined to research labs. As companies convert quantum theory into testable products, algorithms, and computing platforms, demand for professionals with quantum knowledge — whether physics, algorithms, software development, or hardware engineering — is rising. In 2026, quantum computing organisations are securing significant funding, industry partnerships, and contracts across sectors such as energy, finance, telecommunications, defence, and healthcare. For candidates exploring opportunities on www.QuantumComputingJobs.co.uk , understanding which employers are hiring now and scaling quantum teams is crucial. This article profiles the new and high‑growth quantum computing employers to watch in 2026, with a specific focus on UK‑based innovators, international firms with UK operations, and leading global quantum organisations.