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

Apply Now

Senior Optical Scientist

Oxford Ionics
Oxford
8 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Applied Modelling)

Engineering Programme Manager

Senior Optical Engineer - Quantum Sensing & Imaging

Senior Optical Engineer: Quantum Photonics & Metasurfaces

Senior Photonic Packaging Engineer - Fibre Optic

Senior Principal III-V Photonics Engineer

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 are building the world���s highest-performing quantum computers, integrating cutting-edge technologies across optics and electronics into chip-scale devices. As a Senior Optical Scientist, you will play a key role in advancing optical imaging techniques to optimise the performance and scalability of our technology.

What you’ll be responsible for:

You will lead the design, development and implementation of high-precision optical imaging systems for trapped-ion quantum computing. Your work will be integral to ensuring high performance optical solutions across our quantum computing platforms. Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading ion imaging:Lead the design, assembly, and testing of imaging systems for quantum hardware, ensuring optimal performance and alignment with system requirements.
  • Architecting optical readout:Evaluate the feasibility of different imaging solutions and drive the decision-making process for the best approach to various chips.
  • Defining system specifications:Collaborate with teams of expert engineers and scientists to establish and refine imaging system specifications.
  • Ensuring seamless system integration:Work closely with quantum hardware engineers to integrate imaging solutions into the overall system architecture, with a particular focus on managing stray scatter
  • Troubleshooting and optimisation:Identify and mitigate aberrations, background noise, and other optical challenges as they arise.
  • Managing external collaborations:Oversee outsourcing of custom optical and opto-mechanical component fabrication and assembly.

Requirements

You will need expertise in optical system design, with a strong background in developing and analysing hybrid optical systems, including geometric, fibre, photonic integrated circuits and meta-optics. Your ability to design, evaluate and refine these systems will be critical to ensuring high performance integration with our quantum hardware.

Hands-on experience with simulation, fabrication and validation will be essential. You should be comfortable using commercial tools for optical modelling, managing the outsourcing and fabrication of custom optical components and implementing rigorous test plans to validate system performance.

Collaboration will be a key part of the role, requiring you to work closely with physicists and engineers to define system requirements and seamlessly integrate optical technologies. If you thrive in a multidisciplinary environment and are passionate about advancing optical science in quantum computing, we’d love to hear from you.

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, generous annual leave, 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.

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 Hiring Trends 2026: What to Watch Out For (For Job Seekers & Recruiters)

As we move into 2026, the quantum computing jobs market in the UK is shifting from hype to harder-edged reality. The wildest forecasts have softened, some early-stage start-ups have pivoted or been acquired, and investors are more selective. At the same time, governments, big tech, defence, finance and pharma still see quantum as strategically important – especially in algorithms, quantum-safe cryptography, optimisation and materials simulation. The result: fewer “blue-sky” roles with no clear roadmap, and more demand for quantum talent that can plug into real programmes, real products and real timelines. Whether you’re a quantum job seeker planning your next move, or a recruiter building teams across hardware, software, theory or adjacent fields, understanding the key quantum computing hiring trends for 2026 will help you stay ahead.

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.