Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Quantum Engineer - QPU Design/Measurements

Workable
Reading
6 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Quantum Engineer

Urgent! Quantum Engineer...

Senior Quantum Design Engineer

Quantum Algorithms Engineer

Quality Engineer

PKI Engineer

Quantum Engineer - QPU Design - £55k - £68k (DoE) 

At OQC we’re pushing the boundaries of quantum innovation, and bringing in an additional Quantum Research Scientist will help us get there even faster. You’ll help lead scientific research projects that genuinely impact our quantum technology, from design and implementation to data collection and analysis. This is your chance to drive quantum innovation in a hands-on role while working with some of the best like-minded folk in the field.

You’re already a proven scientist - probably at PhD level - who thrives on solving complex, technical challenges and someone who’s shown a creative approach that’s improved quantum systems. You enjoy digging into the details - whether it’s designing experiments, analysing data or ensuring quantum systems run at their best - while staying open to the changing needs of a fast moving and innovative business. You naturally balance curiosity and precision, exploring fresh ideas while keeping a clear focus on delivering high-quality, reliable results.

As part of a team of eight scientists - and working for Rich Bounds (Head of Processor Innovation) and within Peter Leek’s overall group - you’ll be actively involved in:

  • Conducting research projects from experiment design to data analysis, contributing directly to OQC’s quantum tech advancements;
  • Designing, simulating, and measuring novel quantum processors to improve operations including low-error quantum gates, high-fidelity readouts;
  • Coordinating experiments and working with cryogenic refrigeration systems and control electronics, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on schedule;
  • Measuring and characterisation of superconducting quantum circuits including processor calibration and benchmarking;
  • Overseeing the scheduling and set up of the QPU device within a designated fridge in conjunction with our lab technicians;
  • Analysing data of QPU design & processor data and limitations from experiments using Python or other analysis tools to draw meaningful insights that drive our innovation
  • Overseeing the scheduling and set up of the QPU device within a designated fridge in conjunction with our lab technicians;
  • Sharing your research findings and knowledge with the team, and occasionally representing us at conferences and events.

We’re seeking someone with hands-on experience working on quantum systems, perhaps quantum computing architectures, superconducting resonators or related fields. You’ll be confident in Python for automation and data analysis, with a sharp eye for detail and a creative mind to find solutions to the unknown. Adaptable and naturally curious, you won’t shy away from exploring new ideas or challenging assumptions in a way that helps us achieve our goals.

Your ability to communicate complex scientific findings clearly - both in writing and in person - will be as important as your technical skills. You’ll thrive in a collaborative environment, working with others across the business and striving to ensure we hit our commercial and scientific milestones. If you’ve dabbled in cryogenic enclosures, quantum circuit simulations or hardware development, that’d be a definite plus.

A PhD in a related field would be great as this could be a well-established entry role into industry from academia. But if you’ve got proven industry experience too, then we’d especially keen to hear from you.

Research has shown that women are less likely than men to apply for this role if they do not have solid experience in 100% of these areas. Please know that this list is indicative and that we would still love to hear from you even if you feel you only are a 75% match. Skills can be learnt, diversity cannot.

At OQC, we see a brighter future for all, enabled by quantum, to find out more visit - https://oqc.tech/company/working-here/

Are you ready to help us build this future?

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.

Quantum Computing Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK quantum computing hiring has shifted from credential‑first screening to capability‑driven evaluation. Employers now value provable contributions across the stack—algorithms & applications, compilation & optimisation, circuit synthesis, control & calibration, hardware characterisation, error mitigation/correction (QEM/QEC), verification/benchmarking, and hybrid HPC/quantum workflows—plus the ability to communicate trade‑offs, costs and feasibility to non‑quantum teams. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews and how to prepare—especially for quantum algorithm engineers, quantum software/compilers, experimentalists, quantum control & firmware, cryo/readout engineers, quantum error correction researchers, verification/benchmarking specialists, and quantum‑adjacent product managers. Who this is for: Quantum algorithm/applications engineers, compiler/optimisation engineers, control/firmware engineers, experimental physicists & hardware engineers (superconducting, trapped ion, photonic, spin/neutral atom), cryogenics & RF/microwave, QEC researchers, verification/benchmarking specialists, quantum‑HPC orchestration engineers, and product/BD roles in the UK quantum ecosystem.

Why Quantum Computing Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Quantum computing has long been considered an elite subfield of physics and computer science. But as quantum technologies advance—from fault-tolerant hardware to quantum algorithms and quantum cryptography—they’re moving closer to real applications in finance, materials simulation, optimisation, cryptography and more. As this transition happens, UK quantum computing careers are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary. Quantum systems are no longer just the domain of physicists and quantum software engineers. If quantum technologies are to be trusted, adopted and regulated, professionals must also incorporate expertise in law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design. In practice, quantum computing projects now intersect with data governance, risk, human interaction, explainability and communication. In this article, we’ll explore why quantum computing careers in the UK are shifting to multidisciplinary roles, how these five supporting fields intersect with quantum work, and what job-seekers & employers should do to keep up in this evolving frontier.

Quantum Computing Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Quantum Department

Quantum computing has shifted from lab curiosity to the next frontier of high-impact computing. Across the UK, universities, national labs, start-ups, and established tech and finance firms are building quantum teams to explore algorithms, design hardware, and deliver quantum-ready software. As momentum grows, so does the need for clear, robust team structures. Because quantum R&D spans physics, engineering, computer science, and product, ambiguity about who does what can slow progress, increase risk, and inflate costs. This guide maps the typical roles in a modern quantum computing department, how they collaborate across the research-to-product lifecycle, skills and backgrounds UK employers expect, indicative salary ranges, common pitfalls, and practical ways to structure teams that move fast without breaking science.