Quantum Operator

Universal Quantum; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity participation

Flexible holiday (28 days)

Flexible working

10% pension matching

Parental support

Private health insurance

Relocation support

£2,000 personal development budget

Job summary

Universal Quantum is hiring a Quantum Operator to operate and maintain their ion-trap quantum processors in the UK. The role focuses on calibration, optimisation, and data-driven improvement of experimental systems.

You will work closely with physicists and engineers to advance hardware integration and testing, ensuring reliability and repeatable results. The ideal candidate has a PhD in physics or AMO-related field (or MSc AMO with 2+ years lab experience), hands-on experience with AMO quantum

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or MSc AMO with 2+ years hands-on lab experience.
• Experience with ion-trap or neutral-atom systems or related optical quantum tech.
• Proficiency with laser, RF/microwave control, vacuum, or high-precision imaging.
• Understanding of quantum control, state preparation, measurement, and calibration.
• Strong data analysis using Python or similar tools.
• Ability to document procedures and work with physics and engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain ion-trap quantum hardware and experimental systems.
• Calibrate, optimise, and characterise hardware, control systems and procedures.
• Collaborate with physicists and engineers on hardware integration and testing.
• Collect, analyse, and report experimental data to support performance and troubleshooting.
• Document procedures to ensure reliable operation and reproducibility.

Skills

AMO physics

Laser cooling

Quantum control

State preparation

Measurement

Python

Data analysis

Education

PhD in physics/quantum technologies

Master’s in AMO physics + 2+ years lab experience

Tools

Git

Lab automation tools

RF/microwave control

Vacuum systems

High-precision imaging

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 ranging across a broad range of industries, including healthcare, materials and aerospace. We are seeking to hire a Quantum Operator to operate our quantum processors. Passionate about helping create technologies which can change the world? We may be the right place for you, so get in touch!

What You’ll Accomplish

• Operate, monitor, and maintain ion-trap quantum computing hardware and experimental systems.
• Perform calibration, optimisation, and characterisation of quantum hardware, control systems, and experimental procedures using established methods.
• Support the development, integration, and testing of new quantum hardware and experimental systems, working closely with physicists and engineering teams.
• Collect, analyse, and report experimental data to support system performance and troubleshooting.
• Ensure reliable and repeatable operation through careful attention to detail, hands‑on problem solving, and following established procedures.

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

1. Strong hands‑on experience with quantum control experiments:
   Experience operating and troubleshooting AMO-based quantum systems (e.g., trapped ions, neutral atoms, or related platforms), with practical exposure to key experimental tasks such as laser cooling, state preparation, quantum control, and measurement.
2. High reliability and attention to detail:
   Ability to follow experimental procedures carefully, perform repeatable calibrations and measurements, identify abnormal system behaviour, and maintain accurate records.
3. Strong teamwork and practical problem‑solving:
   Ability to work closely with physicists and engineers to operate systems, support hardware integration and testing, and solve experimental issues efficiently.

Must-have:

• PhD in physics, quantum technologies, AMO physics, or a closely related field, or
  Master’s degree in AMO physics plus at least 2 years of relevant hands‑on experimental experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with experimental quantum technologies, preferably involving ion-trap or neutral‑atom systems, or other optical‑based quantum systems.
• Practical experience with one or more of the following: laser and optical systems, RF/microwave control, vacuum systems, or high‑precision imaging.
• Understanding of quantum control, state preparation, measurement, and experimental calibration.
• Good data analysis skills and experience using Python or similar programming tools.
• Ability to follow, improve, and document experimental procedures for reliable system operation.
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively across physics and engineering teams to solve technical problems.

Nice‑to‑have:

• Experience working with surface ion traps.
• Experience with high vacuum and ultra‑high vacuum (UHV) systems, including vacuum chambers, ion pumps, and bakeout procedures.
• Experience with automated experimental control, calibration, or measurement systems.
• Experience with hardware integration, system testing, or commissioning of new experimental equipment.
• Familiarity with Git, data management, or laboratory automation tools.

• Competitive salary
• Meaningful equity participation
• Flexible holiday allowance (28 days minimum)
• Flexible working
• 10% matching pension
• Generous parental support policy
• Private health / dental insurance & group life insurance
• £2,000 annual personal development budget
• Relocation support

We are committed to nurturing diversity and inclusion

At Universal Quantum, we’re passionate about working with and for all kinds of minds. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, and we hold ourselves accountable through continuous improvement, transparency, and the way we design our hiring and working practices. We welcome team members from all backgrounds and actively work to ensure everyone can flourish.