Senior Electronics Engineer - Oxford

The future is quantum. Oxford Ionics is at the forefront of pioneering quantum computing, delivering world-leading innovation to create the most powerful, accurate, and reliable quantum systems. Quantum computing offers a radically new way of building computers that harnesses the power of quantum physics to outperform conventional supercomputers exponentially. Using our unique trapped-ion technology, we are leading the race to unleash quantum computing's unparalleled potential.

What to expect:

We’re looking for a Senior Electronics Engineer to become the founding member of our new Electronics Engineering function and help us build the world’s most powerful quantum computers. In this role, you will take ownership of mixed signal PCB development for our quantum systems, encompassing low-noise analogue paths and high-speed digital subsystems (including FPGAs, DACs, and DDS). You will also establish the processes and tools for the Electronics Engineering function, grow the team in Oxford and collaborate closely with the wider organisation.

The quantum core of our hardware is built from trapped-ion qubits, controlled by devices designed and fabricated by a partner tier-one fab. We manipulate the ions using electrical signals and laser light driven by real-time FPGA systems and networked equipment. Quantum states are read out using precisely tuned lasers and CMOS sensors, with the entire hardware system orchestrated by Xilinx FPGAs and SoCs. The Electronics Engineering team is responsible both for understanding and enhancing our existing lab-grade electrical systems and for architecting, designing and producing data centre quality systems for the future.

This is a lab centric role, combining hands-on technical work with team-building. You will be the engineer who gets our systems performing at their best today and the mentor who grows tomorrow’s electronics team by designing, validating and delivering production-grade units.

What you'll be responsible for:

You will lead the design and delivery of electronic systems that power our quantum computers. You will oversee the full lifecycle of PCB and module development, from requirements through to production and establish the processes, standards and technical direction for our new Electronics Engineering function.

You’ll be hands-on in designing low-noise analogue circuits, RF circuits up to 1GHz, power distribution networks, FPGA systems and mixed-signal modules. Your role will also involve collaborating closely with software and FPGA teams to ensure seamless integration across the wider system architecture.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading PCB and electronic module design, including requirements capture, schematic design, simulation, bring-up, verification, and release to production.
• Building and maintaining the component library, BoMs, and design standards for the team.
• Owning relationships with manufacturing partners, agreeing design rules and stack-ups, handling queries, and signing off first-article inspections.
• Developing automated test fixtures and calibration routines to improve first-pass yield and supporting EMC and safety compliance documentation.

You will also take ownership of validation, ensuring the quality and reliability of electronics deployed in our quantum computers. This includes managing earth-leakage and ground loops in complex multi-rack systems and working directly with colleagues to integrate and optimise systems in the lab.

Finally, as the founding member of the Electronics Engineering team, you’ll recruit, coach and lead engineers, run design reviews and set the technical direction to build a scalable, high-quality function that supports our mission to deliver the world’s most powerful quantum computers.

Requirements

You will bring a strong track record in multi-layer PCB design within industrial environments, demonstrating confidence in delivering complex mixed-signal designs from concept through to production. You will have significant experience with analogue and digital circuit design, as well as system-level architecture for electronic systems. Your communication skills, technical writing, and ability to plan work packages and engage senior stakeholders will be essential.

Key skills and experience:

• Extensive multi-layer PCB design experience, ideally using Altium.
• Proven ability to deliver complex PCB and integrated projects in industry.
• Strong analytical, testing, and debugging skills, with confidence using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analysers and logic analysers.
• Significant experience in design for test and engineering best practices.
• Demonstrated planning, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
• BEng or MEng in Electrical or Electronic Engineering (or similar) with 10+ years’ experience in mixed-signal PCB design.

Your technical expertise should cover analogue circuit design (active and passive filters, low-noise DAC circuits, crosstalk mitigation, power supplies), RF circuits (modulation, filtering, impedance matching <1GHz), digital circuit design (FPGA systems, high-speed serial links, SPI, I²C, JTAG, clock distribution including DDS devices), and system architecture (collaborating with software/FPGA teams, power supply optimisation and ground loop management).

Benefits

Oxford Ionics is leading the way in quantum technology, and we need skilled, innovative individuals like you. We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career with a world-class team, business stock options, 30 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), flexible working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family and much more. Join us and be part of the future of quantum computing. 

Oxford Ionics is committed to equal opportunity for all.