Quantum Hardware Operator - Ion-Trap Systems

Universal Quantum; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Meaningful equity participation

Flexible holiday allowance (28 days)

Flexible working

10% matching pension

Parental support policy

Private health / dental insurance &amp

group life insurance

£2,000 annual personal development bud

Relocation support

Job summary

Universal Quantum seeks a Quantum Operator to operate its ion-trap quantum processors. You will calibrate and optimise quantum hardware, work closely with physicists and engineers, and collect data to improve system performance.

Applicants should have a PhD in physics/AMO or a related field (or Masters with lab experience), strong Python skills, and a collaborative mindset to solve complex experimental challenges across teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics/AMO or related field, or Master’s + 2 years lab experience.
• Experience with ion-trap or neutral-atom quantum systems.
• Practically skilled with lasers, RF/microwave control, vacuum, or high-precision imaging.
• Understanding of quantum control, state preparation, measurement, and calibration.
• Strong Python or similar programming skills.
• Ability to document procedures and work across teams.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain ion-trap quantum computing hardware and experimental systems.
• Calibrate, optimise, and characterise quantum hardware and control systems.
• Support development, integration, and testing of new quantum hardware with physicists and engineers.
• Collect, analyse, and report experimental data to support performance and troubleshooting.
• Ensure reliable operation by following procedures and maintaining thorough records.

Skills

Quantum control experiments

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Python

Ion-trap/neutral-atom

Data analysis

Education

PhD in physics/AMO physics

Master's in AMO physics + 2 years lab experience

Tools

Laser systems

RF/microwave control

Vacuum systems

High-precision imaging

Git

Job description

Universal Quantum seeks a Quantum Operator to operate its ion-trap quantum processors. You will calibrate and optimise quantum hardware, work closely with physicists and engineers, and collect data to improve system performance.

Applicants should have a PhD in physics/AMO or a related field (or Masters with lab experience), strong Python skills, and a collaborative mindset to solve complex experimental challenges across teams.