Quantum Processor Architect - QPU Design & Simulation

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC); Reading; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) is at the forefront of superconducting quantum processor development. Join our Quantum Science & Exploratory Research team to own scientific and engineering projects across the full development lifecycle—from design and simulation through to data analysis and reporting.

You will work with senior researchers to design novel QPU architectures, improve design methods, maintain codebases, and translate complex results into practical recommendations.

Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent multi-year R&D experience, involving measurement, design or operation of quantum systems.
• Experience designing superconducting quantum processors, including circuit layout and electromagnetic simulation using HFSS, Sonnet, COMSOL or equivalents.
• Strong knowledge of microwave engineering and superconducting circuit theory.
• Strong Python skills for automation, scientific analysis and data processing.

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate novel superconducting quantum processors, optimising architectures, circuit layouts and device performance.
• Develop QPU designs that support low-error quantum gates, fast high-fidelity readout and scalable processor architectures.
• Build and improve design methodologies for superconducting circuits using electromagnetic and circuit-level simulation.
• Maintain QPU design and simulation codebase, contribute through collaborative development and code reviews.
• Analyse design and experimental data to identify processor limitations and translate findings into technical recommendations.
• Own scientific research projects from experimental or simulation design through to analysis and reporting.
• Contribute to the QSER roadmap and share knowledge across the team and with collaborators.

Skills

PhD or equivalent multi-year R&D in QM

Design superconducting quantum proces‑

Microwave engineering & superconduct.c

Python for automation & data analysis

Communication of complex results

Planning & organisation of research

Creative, adaptable problem solving

Education

PhD or equivalent in a quantum/physics field

Tools

HFSS

Sonnet

COMSOL

Job description

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) is at the forefront of superconducting quantum processor development. Join our Quantum Science & Exploratory Research team to own scientific and engineering projects across the full development lifecycle—from design and simulation through to data analysis and reporting.

You will work with senior researchers to design novel QPU architectures, improve design methods, maintain codebases, and translate complex results into practical recommendations.