Optical Systems Engineer - Quantum Computing

DeepRec.ai; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working in Central London

Competitive compensation package

Growth opportunities within a deep‑tec

Job summary

DeepRec.ai is seeking a hands-on engineer to support the build, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced optical and opto-electronic hardware systems in a hybrid setting in Central London.

You will own assembly, integration, and commissioning of complex subsystems, diagnose faults, and implement reliability improvements. Collaboration with R&D and manufacturing teams will be essential for transitioning technologies to scalable products.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Physics, Engineering, Photonics, Optics, or related discipline.
• Proven experience building, integrating, and troubleshooting complex hardware systems involving optics, electronics, and software control.
• Hands-on experience with fibre-optic components and precision optical systems.
• Strong practical understanding of photonic or opto-electronic instrumentation.
• Programming experience in Python and/or C++ for instrumentation, automation, data acquisition, or system analysis.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with a structured, methodical approach.

Responsibilities

• Own the assembly, integration, commissioning, and ongoing support of complex photonic and opto-electronic subsystems.
• Diagnose hardware and system-level faults, perform root-cause analysis, and implement reliability improvements.
• Develop and improve assembly, testing, maintenance, and service procedures to support scalable product deployment.
• Collaborate closely with research and engineering teams to transition new technologies from R&D into manufacturable products.
• Support customer installations, upgrades, and technical handovers when required.
• Work with suppliers and vendors to source components and identify opportunities for performance improvements, simplification, and cost reduction.
• Contribute to system documentation, tooling, and process optimisation initiatives.

Skills

Optical hardware integration

Fibre-optic components

Python

C++

Troubleshooting

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Physics/Engineering/Photonics degree

Tools

Measurement instrumentation

Job description

Overview

We are partnering with an innovative deep-tech company developing next-generation photonic and quantum-enabled computing systems. The team is looking to hire a hands-on engineer to support the build, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced optical and opto-electronic hardware systems.

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of photonics, quantum technologies, and high-performance computing, helping to transform cutting-edge research into robust, customer-ready products.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the assembly, integration, commissioning, and ongoing support of complex photonic and opto-electronic subsystems.
• Diagnose hardware and system-level faults, perform root-cause analysis, and implement reliability improvements.
• Develop and improve assembly, testing, maintenance, and service procedures to support scalable product deployment.
• Collaborate closely with research and engineering teams to transition new technologies from R&D into manufacturable products.
• Support customer installations, upgrades, and technical handovers when required.
• Work with suppliers and vendors to source components and identify opportunities for performance improvements, simplification, and cost reduction.
• Contribute to system documentation, tooling, and process optimisation initiatives.

Requirements

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Physics, Engineering, Photonics, Optics, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience building, integrating, and troubleshooting complex hardware systems involving optics, electronics, and software control.
• Hands-on experience working with fibre-optic components and precision optical systems.
• Strong practical understanding of photonic or opto-electronic instrumentation.
• Programming experience in Python and/or C++ for instrumentation, automation, data acquisition, or system analysis.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with a structured, methodical approach.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced engineering environment with evolving priorities.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Desirable Experience

• Quantum optics, quantum technologies, or advanced scientific instrumentation.
• Optical communications, photonic integrated circuits, or laser systems.
• Supply chain, procurement, or bill-of-materials (BOM) management.
• Regulatory or compliance experience (e.g. CE, UKCA, FCC).
• Data centre, HPC, or large-scale hardware deployment environments.
• Experience within a startup, scale-up, or other deep-tech organisation.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge photonic and quantum technologies with real-world commercial applications.
• Exposure to multidisciplinary teams spanning physics, engineering, software, and product development.
• Hybrid working environment in Central London.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Significant opportunities for technical growth and career progression within a rapidly expanding deep-tech organisation