Photonics Engineer - 443

Quantinuum; City Of London; On-site; GBP 73,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quantum computing firm in London is seeking a skilled Optical and Photonics Lab Technician to join their R&D team. In this role, you will set up and manage an optics and photonics lab, contributing to innovative advancements in quantum computing. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 3 years' experience in optical experiments. This position offers a competitive salary and an engaging work environment.

Benefits

Flexible work schedule

Employer subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) match for student loan repayment benefit

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience with optical experiments, including lasers and photodetectors.
• Ability to conduct high-sensitivity measurements of photonic chips.
• Experience with micro- and nano-fabrication techniques.

Responsibilities

• Characterize photonic components and evaluate optical outputs.
• Collaborate with engineers to validate integrated photonic technology.
• Communicate results through publications and presentations.

Skills

Optoelectronic devices

Optical fiber

Scientific software

Ability to communicate effectively

Nanophotonic design

Data analysis and visualization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, optics, astronomy, computer science, or math

Tools

MATLAB

Python

COMSOL

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Optical and Photonics Lab Technician to join our dynamic team of engineers, physicists, and technicians dedicated to advancing trapped‑ion quantum computing technologies. You will play a crucial role in setting up and managing an optics and photonics lab, contributing to ground‑breaking research and development in the field.

You will work alongside engineers, physicists, and other R&D colleagues to drive innovations in trapped‑ion quantum computing technologies. Setting up and equipping an optics and photonics lab, ensuring effective collaboration across optical, mechanical, electronics, and other technical systems. This will include participating in the design, construction, testing, and alignment of optical systems, including lasers and imaging systems. While doing this providing technical support and expertise in the planning, development, maintenance, and management of the new lab facility. This is a collaborative environment where you will work closely with colleagues to ensure all systems meet performance and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Characterize individual photonic components, optical output of photonic chips, and overall photonic circuit performance. Develop and use high‑sensitivity measurement techniques to evaluate the optical output of photonic chips for suitability.
• Work with photonic designers and fabrication team to verify design performance and understand the consequences of fabrication variation.
• Work with a diverse team, including atomic physicists, engineers, and fabrication experts to validate unprecedented integrated photonic technology.
• Plan, design, and build new optical characterization equipment to target the high‑sensitivity requirements for an ion‑trap based quantum computer.
• Develop new concepts for metrology testbeds to evaluate active/alternative photonic materials and architecture.
• Communicate ground‑breaking results both internally and externally through publications and presentations.

YOU MUST HAVE:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, optics, astronomy, computer science, or math
• 3 years of experience (degree inclusive) with design and implementation of optical experiments including optoelectronic devices (e.g., lasers and photodetectors), optical fiber, optical components (e.g., lenses, mirrors, and polarizers), and scientific software.
• Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People’s Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.
• Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. person (defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status)

WE VALUE:

• Masters or PhD in physics or engineering
• 3+ year experience with photonic integrated circuit design and/or testing (advanced degree inclusive)
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively and to facilitate the exchange of key details and concepts between team members of diverse technical experience.
• Knowledge of on‑chip photonics, fiber‑to‑chip coupling, and modulation techniques.
• Nanophotonic design using photonic simulation tools such as: FDTD, FEM, or optical mode solver (Lumerical/COMSOL/RCWA/RSoft or similar tools).
• Experience with micro- and nano-fabrication (e.g., electron beam and/or photolithography, wet and dry etching, scanning electron microscopy, wafer and sample handling, and general cleanroom practices).
• Experience with scientific coding and data analysis and visualization; hardware control and automation; familiarity with commonly used software packages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, Origin, Igor, etc.).
• Some knowledge of trapped‑ion quantum computers.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and collaboration skills

Compensation & Benefits:

$97,000 - $125,000 a year

Range posted is inclusive of incentive target

Incentive eligible

Quantinuum is the world’s largest integrated quantum company, driving breakthroughs in materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next‑generation quantum AI. With a team of more than 600 employees, including more than 420 of them being scientists and engineers, we are leading the worldwide quantum computing revolution.

By uniting best‑in‑class software with high‑fidelity hardware, our integrated full‑stack approach is accelerating the path to practical quantum computing and scaling its impact across multiple industries.

As we celebrate the International Year of Quantum, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of this rapidly evolving field. By joining Quantinuum, you’ll be at the forefront of this transformative revolution, shaping the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.

What is in it for you?

A competitive salary and innovative, game‑changing work

Flexible work schedule

Employer subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) match for student loan repayment benefit

Equity, 401k retirement savings plan + 12 Paid holidays and generous vacation + sick time

Paid parental leave

Employee discounts

Quantinuum is an equal opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectionate or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status. Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal