Senior Quantum Engineer at Oxford… · Reading

Senior Quantum Engineer

At OQC, we aren’t just theorising about the future; we’re building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we’ve successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic ambition into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started.

The Purpose

Lead scientific research that advances OQC’s quantum processors, superconducting circuit technology and supporting infrastructure.

As a Senior Quantum Engineer, you’ll own complex research projects across their full lifecycle—from defining scientific priorities and designing experiments through to implementation, data analysis and the communication of clear findings and recommendations. Your work will directly influence OQC’s technology roadmap and the performance of future quantum processing units.

The Role

You’ll be a senior member of our Quantum Science & Exploratory Research team, combining hands-on experimental research with scientific leadership, project ownership and technical mentoring.

Working across superconducting quantum circuits, processor characterisation, calibration, benchmarking and cryogenic measurement systems, you’ll investigate the limitations of existing technologies and explore new approaches to qubit design, packaging and quantum-processing infrastructure.

You’ll also help shape the QSER roadmap, coordinate the resources required to deliver experimental programmes and support the development of Quantum Engineers across the team.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Lead complex scientific research projects from initial concept and experimental design through to implementation, analysis, reporting and technical recommendations.
• Design, simulate and characterise novel superconducting components for quantum processing and its supporting infrastructure.
• Measure, calibrate and benchmark superconducting quantum circuits, developing meaningful performance metrics and investigating QPU design or processor limitations.
• Lead research into alternative qubit architectures and packaging implementations, translating experimental evidence into recommendations for future technology development.
• Coordinate the scheduling, resourcing and operation of quantum-processing infrastructure, including multiple cryogenic systems, control electronics and measurement equipment.
• Contribute to the QSER technology roadmap by reporting progress, assessing the feasibility of milestones and recommending future scientific priorities.
• Mentor Quantum Engineers, maintain high-quality project documentation and represent OQC through conferences, research collaborations and scientific publications.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering or another relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience owning research projects involving the measurement, characterisation or operation of quantum systems.
• Hands-on experience running experimental quantum-computing measurements, benchmarking processes or operational methods within an academic or industrial environment.
• Experience creating or running simulations of the quantum or radio-frequency properties of superconducting circuits.
• Strong scientific programming skills, particularly Python or a comparable language, for experimental automation and data analysis.
• The ability to analyse complex datasets, identify meaningful patterns and use evidence to support technical decisions.
• Strong project leadership or project-management skills, including the ability to balance scientific objectives, resources, timelines and budget implications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex scientific information for different technical audiences.
• A creative and innovative approach to scientific problem-solving, combined with the confidence to influence technical direction.
• The ability to mentor colleagues, delegate technical tasks and support the development of less-experienced Quantum Engineers.

The ‘Nice-to-Haves’

• A PhD in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering or a closely related field.
• Experience using or developing microwave-frequency control hardware for superconducting quantum systems.
• Scientific publication experience, particularly within superconducting circuits, quantum measurement or related areas.
• Experience presenting research findings at conferences, technical reviews or collaborative research forums.
• Hands-on experience preparing, handling and installing samples within cryogenic enclosures.
• Knowledge of the specification, installation and maintenance of RF or DC wiring.
• Experience operating and maintaining cryogenic refrigeration and vacuum systems.
• Experience developing remote-operation or automation methods for low-noise measurements.
• Strong planning, organisational and scientific judgement skills.

Why Join OQC

You’ll join a multidisciplinary team working at the forefront of superconducting quantum computing, with the opportunity to take genuine ownership of research that informs both near-term engineering decisions and OQC’s longer-term technology direction.

This is an opportunity to combine deep scientific work with visible technical leadership—investigating novel quantum technologies, working directly with advanced cryogenic and measurement infrastructure, and helping develop the people and research capabilities that will support OQC’s next generation of quantum processors.