Quantum Sensing Systems Lead (UK)

Mesa Quantum Systems; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesa Quantum Systems in London, UK, seeks a Systems Lead to steer our UK quantum sensing program from concept through prototype to product. You will set technical direction, guide multi-disciplinary system design, and drive milestones with a small, hands-on team.

The ideal candidate has deep quantum sensing expertise, at least four years leading complex programs, and strong systems engineering skills to connect subsystems to performance. UK work eligibility is required.

Qualifications

• Deep technical understanding of quantum sensing or closely related area.
• At least 4 years leading complex technical programs.
• Experience developing complex experimental or precision systems; neutral-atom platforms would be valuable.
• Strong systems engineering skills and ability to connect subsystem choices to overall performance.
• Experience leading technical design, making sound trade-offs, and guiding work through integration and testing.
• Ability to define and track milestones, manage technical risks, and turn plans into practical progress.
• Experience with data acquisition and test scripting.
• Experience with vapor-cell systems, atomic clocks or magnetometers, laser spectroscopy, optical systems, low-noise measurement, magnetic-field control, thermal systems, electronics or experimental automation would be valuable.
• Eligible to work in the UK.
• A Ph.D. may be useful for this role, but it is not required. Equivalent depth gained through engineering practice, research, or work on comparable systems is welcome.

Responsibilities

• Set technical direction and lead development of Mesa Quantum UK’s chip-scale vapor sensing platform.
• Translate sensing goals into system architectures, engineering plans, and measurable milestones.
• Lead system design and integration across atomic, optical, electronic, thermal, magnetic, and mechanical subsystems.
• Guide prototype development, testing, characterization, troubleshooting, and iteration.
• Track technical progress, surface risks early, and keep development focused on practical outcomes.
• Work hands-on where needed and lead the team through complex technical problems.
• Coordinate with photonics, electronics, packaging, and manufacturing teams as systems move toward producible products.
• Establish test methods, calibration procedures, and technical documentation.
• Help shape future sensing architectures and applications for the platform.
• Build relationships with academic, government, and industry partners in the UK quantum ecosystem.
• Contribute to recruiting, mentoring, and growing the technical team.

Skills

Quantum sensing

Technical leadership

Systems engineering

Prototype development

Team leadership

Data acquisition

Experimental automation

Vapor-cell systems

Atomic clocks

Magnetometers

Education

PhD may be useful

Job description

Quantum Sensing Systems Lead (UK)

Location: London, UK

Mesa Quantum Systems is seeking a technical leader to build and advance our chip-scale quantum sensing platform. This is a technical leadership role with substantial responsibility for both engineering execution and team direction. You will help establish the technical foundation of Mesa Quantum UK and work closely with Mesa’s broader leadership as we expand our quantum sensing roadmap.

We’re looking for someone to lead complex engineering programs from concept through prototype and product development. You’ll set technical direction, guide system design, track milestones, and work closely with a small team to turn ambitious goals into working systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Set technical direction and lead development of Mesa Quantum UK’s chip-scale vapor sensing platform.
• Translate sensing goals into system architectures, engineering plans, and measurable milestones.
• Lead system design and integration across relevant atomic, optical, electronic, thermal, magnetic, and mechanical subsystems.
• Guide prototype development, testing, characterization, troubleshooting, and iteration.
• Track technical progress, surface risks early, and keep development focused on practical outcomes.
• Work hands-on where needed and lead the team through complex technical problems.
• Coordinate closely with Mesa’s photonics, electronics, packaging, and manufacturing teams as systems advance toward robust, manufacturable products.
• Establish appropriate test methods, calibration procedures, and technical documentation.
• Help shape future sensing architectures and applications for the platform.
• Build relationships with academic, government, and industry partners in the UK quantum ecosystem.
• Contribute to recruiting, mentoring, and growing the technical team.

We care more about what you have built and led than the title of your degree or the narrowness of your specialty. You may be a physicist, an engineer, or have another technical background relevant to the work.

You should bring:

• Deep technical understanding of quantum sensing or a closely related area.
• At least 4 years of experience leading complex technical programs.
• Experience developing complex experimental or precision systems; experience with neutral-atom platforms would be valuable.
• Strong systems engineering skills and the ability to connect subsystem choices to overall performance.
• Experience leading technical design, making sound trade-offs, and guiding work through integration and testing.
• The ability to define and track milestones, manage technical risks, and turn plans into practical progress.
• Experience with data acquisition and test scripting.
• Experience with vapor-cell systems, atomic clocks or magnetometers, laser spectroscopy, optical systems, low-noise measurement, magnetic-field control, thermal systems, electronics, or experimental automation would be valuable.
• Eligible to work in the UK.
• A Ph.D. may be useful for this role, but it is not required. Equivalent depth gained through engineering practice, research, or work on comparable systems is welcome.