Latest Photonics Jobs

Spotlight

Quantum Computational Science Specialist..

Lead the development of quantum computational science methods for future multi-physics simulation capabilities, focusing on error-corrected algorithms and hybrid quantum-classical workflows. Develop and implement quantum algorithms using high-performance computing for emulation, with applications in linear solvers, state reconstruction, and tensor networks. Collaborate with academic, industrial, and government partners to shape Rolls-Royce's quantum computing strategy and influence internal adoption of new methods.

Rolls Royce Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 3AE, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Photonics Technical Lead

The role involves leading the development and execution of integrated photonics technologies for quantum applications, including photonic integrated circuits, laser systems, and subsystems. The technical lead will oversee project delivery, mentor a team, and collaborate across global teams and external partners. Key activities include design, fabrication, testing, and commercialisation of photonics solutions within a quantum technology ecosystem.

Infleqtion Kidlington, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Integrated Photonics Engineer

Design and conduct experiments to characterize advanced integrated photonic circuits for quantum computing systems. Develop automated test workflows, analyze optical device performance, and collaborate with design teams to refine photonic components such as directional couplers, interferometers, and electro-optic modulators. Work within a high-tech R&D environment focused on scaling fault-tolerant quantum computers using silicon photonics.

PsiQuantum Runcorn, WA7 1UP, United Kingdom £45,000 – £55,000 pa

On-site Permanent

Senior Photonics Engineer, Optical Interfaces

Develops ultra-low-loss optical interface solutions between dissimilar waveguiding platforms using photonic device design, simulation, and experimental validation. Focuses on mode conversion and coupling for scalable quantum computing systems. Works closely with internal teams and external partners to mature practical, manufacturable solutions.

PsiQuantum Runcorn, WA7 1UP, United Kingdom £64,000 – £76,500 pa

On-site Permanent

Frequency Comb Photonics Engineer

This role involves hands-on development, testing, and optimisation of optical frequency comb systems—including micro-combs and photonic integrated circuits—for quantum technology applications. The engineer will characterise photonic components, build optical test setups, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate comb technologies into quantum systems for precision timing, sensing, and laser stabilisation. Work is based in Kidlington with some presence at Harwell and hybrid flexibility.

Infleqtion Kidlington, United Kingdom

Hybrid Permanent

Photonic Layout Engineer

Design and layout photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for quantum processor units, integrating photonic components into multi-layer chips with on-chip light delivery. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to define design rules, produce tape-out-ready layout files using Python-based tools, and verify layouts through DRC and LVS. Contribute to custom Process Design Kits and document mask design processes for fabrication in commercial foundries.

Oxford Ionics Oxford, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent

Quantum Scientist - UK-070

A Quantum Scientist will conduct advanced research to develop and optimize trapped-ion quantum computing systems. The role involves designing and running experiments, calibrating quantum hardware, benchmarking performance, and improving control schemes. Scientists analyze complex data, debug system interactions, and collaborate closely with engineering teams to advance system reliability and scalability.

Oxford Ionics Oxford, United Kingdom

Photonic Layout Engineer

Design and integrate photonic components into multi-layer quantum processor chips, ensuring precise layout and compatibility with metal and CMOS routing. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to define design rules and advance photonic process design kits. Perform layout verification and produce reticle-scale files for commercial fabrication using Python-based tools.

IonQ Oxford, United Kingdom

Experimental Physicist - Instrument Design

This role involves applying deep scientific expertise to solve complex problems in a variety of physics domains, including quantum technologies, sensing, electromagnetics, semiconductor physics, optics, sonar, and algorithms. You will lead and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to design and prototype innovative solutions that have real-world impact, such as airport scanner technology and object detection systems.

Newton Colmore Cambridge, United Kingdom

On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Senior Software Engineering Manager

Leads a team building software systems for quantum computer design, fabrication, and characterization, integrating scientific computing with hardware engineering workflows. Focuses on developing scalable data platforms, tooling, and infrastructure to support quantum device development. Works closely with physicists, fabrication engineers, and hardware teams to operationalize research-driven systems.

Rigetti United States US$220,000 – US$250,000 pa

On-site Permanent

Senior Optical Fibre Engineer

This role involves developing and evaluating advanced optical fibre technologies for high-performance photonic systems used in quantum computing. The engineer will perform optical modelling, design experiments to validate fibre properties, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners to integrate fibres into larger optical platforms. Work focuses on specialty fibres with attention to modal behaviour, loss, dispersion, and coupling in demanding environments.

PsiQuantum Runcorn, WA7 1UP, United Kingdom £64,000 – £76,500 pa

On-site Permanent

Mechanical Design Engineer – Photonic Hardware

This role involves designing precision mechanical and thermal systems for photonic quantum computing hardware, focusing on robustness, manufacturability, and performance in controlled environments. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to translate system requirements into hardware solutions, conduct simulation and validation, and support prototyping and supplier collaboration. The position is based at Daresbury and supports the development of scalable, fault-tolerant quantum systems.

PsiQuantum Runcorn, WA7 1UP, United Kingdom £50,000 – £56,000 pa

On-site Permanent

Intern, System Architecture

This internship involves developing photonic quantum computing architectures through simulation, software implementation, and protocol design. Interns will work on translating quantum information theory into physical system designs, using programming and modeling to advance fault-tolerant quantum systems. The role emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and technical rigor in a cutting-edge quantum computing environment.

PsiQuantum United Kingdom £31,200 – £56,160 pa

Hybrid Internship

Electronics Engineer

Designs and develops RF and high-speed electronic systems for quantum photonic hardware, including electro-optic modulation, low-latency control, and readout systems for superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. Works closely with photonics and quantum engineering teams to integrate electronics into advanced quantum computing systems using silicon photonics. Involves FPGA-based control, signal integrity optimization, and testing in lab environments.

PsiQuantum Runcorn, WA7 1UP, United Kingdom £50,000 – £57,000 pa

Senior Optical Packaging & Assembly Engineer

Develops and implements high-performance, scalable opto-electronic packaging workflows for photonic integrated circuits, focusing on fibre-to-chip alignment and packaging prototyping. Works closely with internal teams and external vendors to transfer and scale packaging processes within a quantum computing R&D environment.

PsiQuantum Runcorn, WA7 1UP, United Kingdom

Photonic Layout Engineer

This role involves designing and laying out photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for quantum processor units (QPUs) using Python-based tools. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate photonic components into multi-layer chips, perform layout verification (DRC/LVS), and contribute to custom Process Design Kits (PDKs) for tape-out in commercial foundries. The work directly supports scaling trapped-ion quantum systems through on-chip photonics.

Oxford Ionics Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom