Quantum Engineer

Oxford Quantum Circuits; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering quantum technology company in Reading is seeking a Quantum Engineer to innovate and optimize quantum processors. This role involves maintaining quantum systems, designing experiments, and contributing to software development using Python. Ideal candidates will have a background in physics or engineering and experience with superconducting circuits or cryogenic environments. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for this position.

Benefits

Positive work culture

Professional development opportunities

Collaboration with experts in the field

Qualifications

• Experience working in academic or industrial research environments.
• Ability to manage and own technical projects.
• Prior experience with superconducting circuits or advanced measurement instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate quantum systems, including qubit calibration.
• Design and analyze experiments on superconducting quantum circuits.
• Contribute to controlling software stack using Python.
• Mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Python programming

Communication of scientific findings

Analytical skills

Experience with microwave or RF hardware

Familiarity with cryogenic environments

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Control electronics

Cryogenic systems

Job description

Quantum Engineer

At OQC we are building quantum computers and making them available to solve real-world problems. The Quantum Engineer role sits at the heart of this mission: to accelerate the quantum era, bringing practical quantum advantage closer by combining cutting‑edge hardware, deep scientific expertise, and a scalable, system‑first approach. You will help design, build, characterise, and optimise the next generation of our quantum processors and supporting systems.

You’ll join a group of experimental physicists and engineers driving the performance of quantum systems at OQC. You will have experience communicating scientific findings clearly and using tools like Python to support automation and experimentation. Ideally, you’ll also bring familiarity with microwave or RF hardware, cryogenic environments, or simulations of quantum or superconducting circuits, as well as contributing to scientific publications or presenting results.

Reporting to Ailsa Keyser, Senior Quantum Engineer, your role will include a mixture of responsibilities from

• Maintaining and operating quantum systems at OQC, including qubit calibration routines, control software control electronics.
• Designing, executing, and analysing experiments on superconducting quantum circuits
• Managing and owning technical projects from system build through to analysis and reporting.
• Performing analysis of system performance such as quantum operation fidelity, cryogenic payload simulations, or control electronics noise using software tools such as Python
• Contributing to the control software stack in Python by developing new features, adding experimental, analysis, or simulation modules, and improving code utility, performance, and robustness.
• Collaborating with other cross‑functional teams to integrate software tools with experimental workflows, enhance system automation, and ensure smooth end‑to‑end operation across the technology stack.
• Contributing to OQC’s research visibility through publications, collaborations, and conference participation.
• Mentoring and supporting junior engineers to help develop their technical and experimental skills.

You may have previously worked in an academic or industrial research environment, developing or operating experimental systems involving cryogenics, superconducting circuits, or advanced measurement instrumentation. Experience contributing to scientific or control software stacks, particularly in Python, would be highly valuable. In this role, you’ll need to be adaptable, communicate clearly, manage your time effectively, and approach problems with a detail‑focused mindset. You should be committed to driving high‑quality results while navigating complex scientific and technical challenges.

If you’re motivated by solving complex challenges and want to help define the future of quantum technology, we’d love to hear from you.

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