Engineer the Quantum RevolutionYour expertise can help us shape the future of quantum computing at Oxford Ionics.

View Open Roles

Senior/Principal Photonics Engineer

Leonardo
Luton
2 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Experimental Physicist - Photonics

Experimental Physicist - Photonics

Senior Optical Scientist - Oxford

Senior Packaging Engineer - Oxford

Senior Electronics Engineer - Oxford

Senior AMO Physicist - Quantum RF

Job Description:

Would you like to help us deliver innovative Photonics designs that form part of our self-protection systems installed on fast jet, UAV, land and naval platforms?

We have exciting opportunities for talented and proactive Photonics Engineers. Whether you're near the beginning of your career or have a wealth of experience, we have a place for you at Leonardo. Depending on the role you take, you may be able to carry out some of your work from home (Custom or Hybrid working)

What you will do

As a Senior/Principal Photonics Engineer, you will work with the support of experts in their field, using world-class facilities to deliver designs, and help form the complex electronic systems that meet our challenging future customer requirements.

The scope of work can range from design and technical problem solving to product development. This role may even take you across the UK or abroad for technical reviews.

What we need from you

Design techniques using one or more of VPI, Ansys, Synopsys or similar simulation tool. Physical realisation of Photonics circuits or spread benches Derivation of and reporting against design requirements A structured approach to design Photonic test methods and equipment. Including laser safety. Ability to de-bug failing hardware or test equipment Interfacing with customers, sub-contractors or in-company stakeholders

Security Clearance

:

Experience within the defence industry You might have an HNC/HND or Undergraduate Degree (Electronic Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics) or you may just have lots of skills and experience gained through your hard work. Applications are also sought from students completing their PhDs and looking for their first employment in industry. Development of Photonic elements such as Modulators, Photo-detection or Laser Arrays Photonic integrated Circuit (PiC) Design System in Package (SiP) Design RF over Fibre RF / Microwave components e.g. Low Noise Amplifiers, Trans-impedance amplifiers RF Chain Analysis Model driven engineering using Matlab and Simulink Automating test equipment using Labview Assisting early careers engineers

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance) Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution) Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity) Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera and Linkedin Learning Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member Bonus: Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below 

For a full list of our company benefits please our website .

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.

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.

The Future of Quantum Computing Jobs: Careers That Don’t Exist Yet

Quantum computing is no longer confined to laboratory benches or theoretical physics journals. The UK is propelling itself into the quantum era through bold investment and strategic planning. With an updated National Quantum Strategy pledging billions of pounds in public funding through 2030, and private venture funding reaching record levels in 2024, the sector is gaining real momentum. Yet despite this surge, the UK quantum sector currently employs only around 1,700 people, with average salaries close to £50,000. At the same time, projections suggest that globally, quantum computing may drive the creation of a quarter of a million jobs by 2030, and possibly more than 800,000 by 2035. In the UK specifically, quantum-related activity could generate well over 100,000 jobs by 2055, though only a fraction would be directly within the quantum sector itself. This indicates a vast and evolving ecosystem, one where entirely new careers are likely to bloom—jobs that, today, have little or no presence. This article explores emerging quantum careers that currently don’t exist but may soon define the industry.

Seasonal Hiring Peaks for Quantum Computing Jobs: The Best Months to Apply & Why

The UK's quantum computing sector has emerged as one of Europe's most intellectually challenging and strategically crucial technology markets, with roles spanning from junior quantum software engineers to principal quantum scientists and heads of quantum research. With quantum computing positions commanding salaries from £40,000 for graduate quantum engineers to £180,000+ for senior principal scientists, understanding when organisations actively recruit can dramatically accelerate your career progression in this revolutionary and rapidly evolving field. Unlike traditional computing roles, quantum computing hiring follows distinct patterns influenced by quantum research cycles, government funding schedules, and quantum hardware development timelines. The sector's unique combination of advanced mathematics, quantum physics, and computational complexity creates predictable hiring windows that strategic professionals can leverage to advance their careers in building tomorrow's quantum systems. This comprehensive guide explores the optimal timing for quantum computing job applications in the UK, examining how national quantum strategies, academic research cycles, and quantum technology initiatives influence recruitment patterns, and why strategic timing can determine whether you join a groundbreaking quantum research team or miss the opportunity to develop the next generation of quantum algorithms and systems.

Pre-Employment Checks for Quantum Computing Jobs: DBS, References & Right-to-Work and more Explained

The quantum computing industry represents one of the most strategically important and rapidly evolving sectors in modern technology, with quantum professionals playing crucial roles in advancing scientific understanding, developing breakthrough technologies, and maintaining national technological competitiveness. As quantum computing transitions from academic research to commercial applications and national security implementations, pre-employment screening processes have become increasingly sophisticated and comprehensive. Quantum computing careers span diverse environments from university research laboratories and government quantum initiatives to commercial quantum startups and established technology companies developing quantum cloud services. Each sector brings unique screening requirements reflecting the strategic sensitivity of quantum technologies, the international nature of quantum research collaboration, and the critical importance of maintaining both research integrity and intellectual property protection. Understanding quantum computing pre-employment screening helps professionals navigate career opportunities effectively whilst enabling employers to identify candidates capable of contributing to quantum innovation whilst maintaining appropriate security standards, research ethics, and technical excellence. The screening processes examine not only technical quantum competencies but also research integrity, security clearance eligibility, and ability to work effectively across the interdisciplinary quantum ecosystem. This comprehensive guide examines the full spectrum of pre-employment screening practices across quantum computing careers, from basic right-to-work verification through enhanced security clearance processes, technical competency assessment, and industry-specific requirements. Whether pursuing opportunities in quantum algorithm development, quantum hardware engineering, quantum software development, or quantum research leadership, understanding these screening processes enables quantum professionals to prepare effectively and advance their careers successfully. The quantum computing sector's unique combination of cutting-edge research, commercial potential, and strategic importance creates screening requirements that reflect both the technical demands of quantum innovation and the security considerations of strategically sensitive technologies. These processes ultimately support the continued advancement of quantum computing by ensuring high professional standards and technical competence necessary for breakthrough quantum innovation and responsible quantum technology development.