Associate Quantum Engineer

OQC; Reading; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

OQC is building the future of quantum computing from its Reading lab, following a £260 million Series C. As an Associate Quantum Engineer, you’ll contribute to next‑gen quantum processors by supporting research, experimentation and device characterisation.

Joining the Materials Science & Device Engineering team, you’ll gain hands-on experience with quantum hardware, cryogenic systems and advanced measurement techniques while collaborating with world‑leading scientists to solve complex

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering or Materials Science
• Experience contributing to scientific or engineering research projects
• Hands-on experience with laboratory or engineering equipment
• Python programming for automation and data analysis
• Experience analysing scientific data and communicating findings
• Desire to learn and contribute to quantum research

Responsibilities

• Support design, simulation and characterisation of quantum devices to improve performance
• Prepare and calibrate quantum hardware and cryogenic systems for experiments
• Conduct experiments and analyse measurement data to identify improvements
• Perform analysis of processor and device behaviour and present findings
• Maintain project documentation and research records
• Collaborate with Quantum Engineers to deliver research projects
• Develop expertise in quantum engineering and support outreach and collaboration

Skills

Python programming

Lab equipment experience

Data analysis

Research experience

Communication of technical findings

Learning mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Materials Science

Tools

Cryogenic systems

Laboratory equipment

Job description

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 dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started and we’ve recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round – the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe.

The Purpose

As an Associate Quantum Engineer, you'll contribute to the development of next-generation quantum processors by supporting research, experimentation and device characterisation. Working alongside experienced Quantum Engineers, you'll help turn cutting-edge scientific ideas into practical advances that shape the future of quantum computing.

The Role

Joining our Materials Science & Device Engineering (MSDE) team, you'll support research projects across quantum device design, experimental testing and scientific analysis. You'll gain hands‑on experience with quantum hardware, cryogenic systems and advanced measurement techniques while collaborating with world‑leading scientists and engineers to solve complex technical challenges.

What You'll Be Working On

• Support the design, simulation and characterisation of quantum devices to improve processor performance and coherence.
• Prepare and calibrate quantum hardware, cryogenic systems and supporting infrastructure for experiments and testing.
• Conduct experiments and analyse measurement data using Python and other scientific tools to identify performance improvements.
• Perform scientific analysis of processor and device behaviour, presenting findings and recommendations to engineering teams.
• Maintain project documentation, reports and research records to support collaborative development.
• Work closely with Quantum Engineers and Senior Quantum Engineers to deliver research projects and contribute to experimental programmes.
• Continuously develop your expertise in quantum engineering while supporting scientific outreach and collaborative research initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• A Bachelor’s/ Master's degree in Physics/Electrical Engineering/Materials Science
• Experience contributing to scientific, engineering or technology research projects in an academic, commercial or independent environment
• Hands‑on experience working with laboratory or engineering equipment.
• Python programming skills (or experience with a similar language) for automation and scientific data analysis.
• Experience analysing scientific data and communicating technical findings clearly.
• Desire to learn and contribute to quantum research.

The 'Nice-to-Haves'

• Knowledge of differential equations, linear algebra and quantum information science.
• Experience working with large software codebases in collaborative environments.
• Experience with cryogenic systems, vacuum systems or RF/DC wiring.
• Experience with low‑noise measurements, automation or scientific debugging.

Why Join OQC

You will join a world‑class team at the forefront of the next computational era. We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation.

Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here: https://oqc.tech/company/careers-at-oqc/