Head of Experimental System Integration

OQC; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

OQC in Reading, United Kingdom, seeks a Head of Experimental System Integration to lead development of advanced quantum hardware platforms, integrating quantum processors, cryogenics, control electronics and HPC for scalable R&D.

You will own the architecture, build a 5–10 person technical team, set the roadmap, drive complex research projects and ensure high-throughput, repeatable operation across multiple programmes.

Qualifications

• Deep technical background in quantum hardware, cryogenic systems engineering, superconducting qubits or related field.
• Commercial experience in a technical or scientific environment.
• Experience leading a technical team of ~5–10 people in a fast-changing org.
• Ownership of full lifecycle of complex projects from requirements to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and end-to-end integration of experimental quantum hardware testbeds.
• Define technology-transfer pathways for high-TRL components.
• Embed across R&D programmes translating objectives into system requirements.
• Establish system verification and validation standards for repeatable operation.
• Build and lead a high-performing technical team and guide capability development.
• Own the roadmap and manage delivery of complex research projects.

Skills

Quantum hardware

Cryogenic systems

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional coordination

Education

PhD or equivalent experience

Job description

Head of Experimental System Integration

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 Head of Experimental System Integration, you'll lead the development of the sophisticated experimental platforms that enable OQC to push quantum computing forward. Bringing together quantum processors, cryogenics, control electronics and HPC/real-time decoding, you'll build the integration capability that accelerates our R&D cycles and helps scale OQC towards fault-tolerant logical quantum computing.

The Role

Leading our Experimental System Integration function, you'll operate at the intersection of experimental physics, hardware development and embedded software engineering. You'll own the architecture and integration of our R&D testbeds, lead and develop a highly technical team, and work across OQC's research programmes to turn ambitious scientific objectives into reliable, high-performance experimental systems.

Reporting to the VP Research, you'll also shape the team's technical roadmap, lead complex research projects and provide clear recommendations on priorities, resources and investment.

What You'll Be Working On

• Lead the architecture and end-to-end integration of experimental quantum hardware testbeds, bringing together quantum processors, cryogenics, control electronics, firmware and HPC.
• Define technology-transfer pathways that turn emerging, high-TRL components and subsystems into stable, high-throughput experimental platforms.
• Embed across OQC's R&D programmes, translating research objectives into clear system requirements and integration strategies.
• Establish system-level verification, bring‑up and validation standards that deliver repeatable, high-performance experimental operation.
• Build and lead a high-performing technical team, owning recruitment, objectives, performance, coaching and long‑term capability development.
• Own the Experimental System Integration roadmap and delivery of complex research projects, coordinating resources and work across multiple technical teams.
• Drive operational excellence across experimental systems, improving tooling, diagnostics, uptime, throughput and repeatability while supporting external technical collaborations.

What We're Looking For

• A deep technical background in quantum hardware, cryogenic systems engineering, superconducting qubits or a closely related field.
• Commercial experience within a relevant technical or scientific environment.
• Experience leading and developing a technical team of approximately 5–10 people within a fast-changing organisation.
• Proven ownership of the full lifecycle of complex technical projects, from requirements and architecture through integration and delivery.
• Strong hands‑on understanding of cryogenic system operation and electrical measurement.
• Strong leadership, delegation, project planning, data analysis and technical reporting capability.
• The ability to influence across disciplines, communicate complex technical concepts clearly and guide teams through challenging technical problems.
• Experience coordinating multiple technical teams to deliver against complex research or engineering objectives.
• PhD or equivalent commercial experience.

The 'Nice-to-Haves'

• Experience designing and implementing quantum or cryogenic systems.
• Experience working across a range of quantum or cryogenic system architectures.
• A track record of designing and delivering complex technology to specification.
• Experience coordinating larger multidisciplinary teams to produce complex technical outcomes.

  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/