Optics Engineer

Cambridge, United Kingdom
2 days ago
Job Type
Permanent
Work Pattern
Full-time
Work Location
On-site
Visa Sponsorship
Available
Posted
24 Apr 2026 (2 days ago)

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location:Cambridge, UK

Visa Sponsorship available

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 20th May 2026 at 5pm (UK time).

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We’re creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems.

We’re working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world-leading companies and academic groups.

About the role

We are seeking a talented and motivated Optics Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will design, develop, optimise, and automate advanced optical systems supporting the development of Nu Quantum’s qubit–photon interface (QPI). Primary responsibilities would lie in one of the following areas:

  • Design, build and automate optical setups for the assembly and characterisation of microcavities
  • Develop advanced laser and imaging systems, and optical system design and support for AMO experiments

You will work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment alongside experts in nanofabrication, electronics, mechanical engineering, and software.

Responsibilities - What You'll be doing

  • Contribute to the design and execution of advanced optical experiments and system builds.
  • Design and implement system automation to improve efficiency, repeatability, and control in optical experiments.
  • Align and optimise free-space and fibre-based optical setups to achieve precise performance targets.
  • Obtain experimental results, perform detailed data analysis, and draw clear, actionable conclusions.
  • Document experimental procedures, results, and lessons learned to ensure reproducibility.
  • Communicate complex technical information clearly through high-quality written reports and presentations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Collaborate closely with nanofabrication, electronics, mechanical, and software engineering teams to develop and execute integrated test and development plans.

Related Jobs

View all jobs

R&D Lasers and Optics Engineer - 744

Quantinuum United States
US$80,000 – US$101,000 pa

Optics Manufacturing Engineer - 755

Quantinuum United States
US$164,000 – US$205,000 pa On-site

Optical Engineering Project Engineer - 694

Quantinuum United States
US$109,000 – US$136,000 pa

Optics Technician - UK-052

Oxford Ionics Oxford, United Kingdom

Project Engineering Intern - 783

Quantinuum United States
US$27 – US$36 ph On-site

Systems Integration & Commissioning Engineer

Oxford Ionics Oxford, United Kingdom
£40,000 – £60,000 pa On-site

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

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

Advertising quantum computing jobs in the UK requires a fundamentally different approach to most technical hiring. The global talent pool is tiny — measured in thousands, not tens of thousands — and concentrated around a small number of university physics departments, national laboratories and well-funded hardware startups. Many of the strongest candidates hold PhDs in quantum physics, quantum information or adjacent disciplines and are embedded in academic or research communities that rarely intersect with mainstream job boards. General platforms are largely ineffective for quantum hiring. Specialist boards, academic channels and direct community outreach are not optional extras — they are the primary sourcing strategy. This guide, published by QuantumComputingJobs.co.uk, covers where to advertise quantum computing roles in the UK in 2026, how the main platforms compare, what employers should expect to pay, and what the data says about hiring across different role types.

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.

How Many Quantum Computing Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Quantum Computing Job?

Quantum computing is one of the most exciting frontiers in science and technology — and the job market reflects that excitement. But for aspiring practitioners, the sheer number of tools, frameworks, programming languages and hardware platforms can feel overwhelming. One job advert mentions Qiskit, another talks about Cirq or Pennylane. You see references to quantum annealers and superconducting qubits, to measurement hardware and simulators, to noise mitigation libraries and cloud platforms. It’s easy to conclude that unless you master every quantum tool, you’ll never get a job. Here’s the honest truth most quantum computing hiring managers won’t explicitly tell you: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real problems and explain why your solutions work. Tools matter, but context, understanding, judgement and results matter more. So how many quantum computing tools do you actually need to know to succeed in a job search? The real answer is significantly fewer than most people assume — and far more focused by role. This article breaks down what tools really matter in quantum jobs, which ones are core, which are role-specific, and how you can build a coherent toolkit that employers actually value.