Lead Photonics Scientist

Quantinuum
London
1 month ago
Create job alert
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



Y2dBgAfPDnX76HKRnCO5bx

PI264378407

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Chief Systems Engineer - Hardware

Senior Optical Scientist

Quality Engineer

Knowledge Transfer Manager – Emerging & Enabling Technologies (Future Technologies)

Knowledge Transfer Manager – Emerging & Enabling Technologies (Life Technologies)

Knowledge Transfer Manager - Emerging & Enabling Technologies (Life Technologies)

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

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

Industry Insights

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

UK Visa & Work Permits Explained: Your Essential Guide for International Quantum Computing Professionals

Quantum computing stands at the cutting edge of technology, promising to revolutionise industries ranging from cryptography and finance to pharmaceutical R&D and logistics. As research accelerates and new commercial applications emerge, the United Kingdom is quickly becoming a global leader in quantum computing innovation. Fuelled by government investment, world-class universities, and a growing base of deep-tech start-ups, the UK offers an exciting environment for quantum computing professionals seeking to push the boundaries of next-generation computing. For international talent eager to contribute to this rapidly evolving sector, understanding the UK’s work visa and permit landscape is the first important step. In this guide, we’ll explore the main visa options relevant to quantum computing specialists, outline key requirements, and share practical tips for a smooth transition into Britain’s thriving quantum ecosystem. Whether you specialise in quantum algorithms, hardware development, cryptography, or quantum-enhanced machine learning, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in the UK—provided you secure the correct route to live and work here legally.

Leading UK Quantum Computing Labs and Institutes: Where Quantum Innovation Happens

Quantum computing is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting frontiers in technology. Harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics, quantum computers have the potential to solve complex problems that are intractable for even the most powerful classical supercomputers. From modelling intricate molecular interactions for drug discovery to optimising complex logistics networks, quantum computing promises transformational breakthroughs across countless industries. The United Kingdom has taken a leading global role in driving this quantum revolution. Thanks to forward-thinking government investment, a storied academic tradition, and vibrant industry clusters, the UK is home to several world-class research labs and institutes dedicated to quantum computing. Whether you’re an aspiring quantum physicist, a software engineer keen to explore quantum algorithms, or a data scientist looking to pivot, QuantumComputingJobs.co.uk can help you discover the most relevant opportunities and positions in this burgeoning sector. In this in-depth article, we’ll explore the top UK quantum computing labs and institutes, discuss the kinds of research they specialise in, and outline the varied career pathways open to those looking to embark on (or progress in) a career in quantum technologies.

Shadowing and Mentorship in Quantum Computing: Gaining Experience Before Your First Full-Time Role

How to Find Mentors, Build Industry Connections, and Accelerate Your Learning in One of Tech’s Most Cutting-Edge Fields Quantum computing stands at the frontier of innovation, promising unprecedented computational power to tackle complex problems in cryptography, materials science, drug discovery, optimisation, and beyond. As quantum processors move from research labs into early commercial applications, demand for skilled professionals is surging. Yet the path to a full-time position in quantum computing can be winding—spanning physics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering—often leaving new graduates or career-changers wondering how to stand out. That’s where shadowing and mentorship can make a profound difference. By learning directly from experts who have worked through quantum hardware constraints, algorithm design, or quantum error correction, you’ll gain real-world insights that simply aren’t covered in textbooks. In this guide, we’ll explore why mentorship is essential in quantum computing, how to identify potential mentors (both formally and informally), strategies for demonstrating your value as a mentee, best practices for shadowing quantum professionals, and methods for growing your network. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan to develop specialised expertise, enhance your CV, and confidently pursue your first role in this cutting-edge sector.