Quantum Microchip Designer (Ion Traps)

Universal Quantum; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Flexible holiday allowance (≥28 days)

Flexible and remote working options

10% pension matching

Private health/dental insurance

Relocation support

Job summary

Universal Quantum is seeking a Quantum Microchip Designer (Ion Traps) to develop, test and collaborate with fabrication partners on next‑generation microfabricated Paul traps for scalable quantum computers. You will determine layouts, design traps for manufacture, and perform electromagnetic analyses while coordinating with foundries and package teams.

The role requires a PhD or Master’s in physics or electrical engineering, strong writing skills, and experience with ion motion/shuttling

Qualifications

• Experience with ion trap systems and fabrication knowledge.
• Ability to write clear, technical documentation and communicate with stakeholders.
• Strong numerical methods for electromagnetic and thermo‑mechanical analysis.
• Experience with design for test and manufacture in quantum hardware.

Responsibilities

• Determine layouts for ion traps with users and define designs for manufacture.
• Serve as technical liaison with ion trap manufacturers and packages.
• Perform simulations and analyses on designs and document results.
• Collaborate with package designers on assembly procedures and test harnesses.

Skills

Ion trap design

EM/thermo‑mechanical analysis

Technical communication

Design for test & manufacture

Clear, technical writing

Shuttling ion techniques

Education

PhD

Master's degree in physics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Custom Compiler

Virtuoso

Job description

At Universal Quantum, we aim to make the world a better place by engineering the future of computing. Together, we are creating truly impactful quantum computers. Our machines will be capable of solving problems until now considered impossible, with applications across healthcare, advanced materials, aerospace and beyond.

We are looking for a Quantum Microchip Designer (Ion Traps) to develop, design, test, and work with fabrication partners to realise next‑generation microfabricated Paul traps for scalable quantum computers.

Passionate about helping create technologies that can change the world? We may be the right place for you, so get in touch.

What You’ll Accomplish:

• Work with users to determine suitable layouts for ion traps
• Develop and design ion traps for manufacture
• Act as technical liaison with ion trap manufacturers
• Perform electromagnetic and thermo‑mechanical analysis and simulation on designs
• Work with package designers to develop packages and assembly procedures
• Document designs and simulations

Requirements

The 3 Most Critical Attributes We’ll Use to Compare Candidates:

1. Surface ion trap design experience
2. Strong numerical and analytical methods for electromagnetic and/or thermo‑mechanical analysis
3. Knowledge of ion motion and shuttling techniques

Must-have Skills:

• Able to write clear, technical documents
• Understand the architecture for an ion trap system
• Experience with design for test and manufacture
• Able to technically communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Familiar with electrical testing methods and equipment
• PhD/master’s degree in physics, electronic engineering, or a related discipline

Nice-to-have Skills:

• Experience fabricating ion traps
• Design and implement test harnesses of microfabricated structures
• Design for manufacture experience
• Design for reliability experience
• Package and assembly design experience
• Hands on experience shuttling ions
• Experience working with commercial foundries
• Familiarity with commercial design tool set (Custom Compiler, Virtuoso etc.)

Benefits

• Equity options
• Flexible holiday allowance (a minimum of 28 days)
• Flexible and remote working options
• 10% matching pension, generous parental support policy
• Private health/dental insurance, and relocation support