Senior Quantum Engineer

Quantum Motion; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative quantum computing company in London is seeking a skilled professional to develop and optimise quantum processors. The ideal candidate has a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering, with proven skills in high-quality code writing and optimisation techniques. You will work closely with both experimental and hardware teams to advance quantum capabilities. The role offers competitive salary, share options, and opportunities to influence technology and company culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Share options scheme

Contributory pension scheme

Life Assurance

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Flexible working

Central London location

Qualifications

• Proven record of writing high-quality code for control of quantum systems.
• Ability to independently design and carry out complex experiments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Benchmark and optimise quantum processors based on silicon quantum dots.
• Develop automated calibration routines for QPU performance.
• Devise measurement and analysis roadmaps for quantum operations.

Skills

High-quality code writing

Optimization techniques

Data analysis

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering

Tools

Machine Learning

Job description

About The Role and Team

Quantum Motion is a fast-growing quantum computing scale-up based in London founded by internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University with over 40 years’ experience in developing qubits and quantum computing architectures. Bringing together state-of-the-art cryogenic facilities and an outstanding interdisciplinary team, we are developing quantum processors based on industrial-grade silicon chips, with the potential to radically transform computing power in areas such as materials modelling, medicine, artificial intelligence and more.

Since 2021 our team has been listed every year in the "Top 100 Startups worth watching" in the EE Times, and our technology breakthroughs have been featured in The Telegraph, BBC and the New Statesman. Our founders are internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University who have pioneered the development of qubits and quantum computing architectures. Our chairman is the co-founder of Cadence and Synopsys, the two leading companies in the area of Electronic Design Automation. We’re backed by a team of top-tier investors including Bosch Ventures, Porsche SE, Sony Innovation Fund, Oxford Sciences Innovations, INKEF Capital and Octopus Ventures, and we have so far raised over £62 million in equity and grant funding.

We bring together the brightest quantum engineers, integrated circuit (IC) engineers, quantum computing theoreticians and software engineers to create a unique, world-leading team, working together closely to maximise our combined expertise. Our collaborative and interdisciplinary culture is an ideal fit for anyone who thrives in a cutting-edge research and development environment focused on tackling big challenges and contributing to the development of scalable quantum computers based on silicon technology.

Our team of 100+ is based in Oxford and London, with a centre of mass in our Islington lab.

Our Team

The Intelligent Automation Team develops the software that controls, and optimises our Quantum Processing Units. Working in close partnership with the Quantum Hardware Team, this group works to enable our processors to perform at their limits. Their work transforms raw quantum hardware into a usable platform by leveraging traditional software engineering alongside machine learning and other optimisation techniques. Together, these teams form the engine room of Quantum Motion’s technology, bridging physics, engineering, and computation to unlock the next generation of quantum capability.

As a member of our evolving scale-up, you’ll help shape the next stage of quantum computing. We’re still a small team, which means your expertise will directly influence our technology, our culture, and our trajectory, while giving you room to grow as we scale.

Functions of the Role

• Work with experimental experts to benchmark and optimise quantum processors based on spins in silicon quantum dots
• Develop automated calibration routines for long-term maintenance of QPU performance
• Devise measurement and analysis roadmaps to test and optimise quantum operations

Experience – Essentials

• PhD degree in physics, chemistry, or engineering
• Proven record of writing high-quality code for control of quantum systems
• Experience with use of optimisation techniques such as Bayesian Optimisation, Genetic algorithms etc in an experimental setting
• An understanding of approaches to benchmarking of quantum devices
• Proven record of experience in characterisation and control of quantum systems
• Ability to independently design and carry out complex experiments; perform data analysis and prepare technical reports and presentations
• Ability to work in a team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Experience – Desirable

• Strong experience with machine learning techniques and their application to complex physical systems.
• Demonstrated capability in benchmarking quantum systems using methods such as randomised benchmarking and gate-set tomography.
• Proven team leadership and people-management skills, including supervising technical staff and guiding cross-functional research efforts.
• Experience mentoring junior researchers and effectively supervising research students to support their academic and professional development.
• Skilled in the simulation of spin-based quantum systems and the dynamical characterisation of silicon-based nanoelectronic devices.
• Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting deep cryogenic measurement systems.
• Experience with the dynamical characterisation silicon-based nanoelectronic devices
• Ability to supervise research students

Application Process

• 30-Minute Talent Team Call – an introductory conversation with the talent team to discuss background, motivation, and role fit.
• 30-Minute Technical Screening with the Hiring Manager – a focused discussion assessing technical skills, relevant experience, and approach to problem-solving.
• Onsite Visit
  • Lab Tour – opportunity to see the facilities, meet the team, and gain insight into ongoing projects.
  • Presentation & Q&A (60 minutes) – candidate delivers a technical presentation followed by an interactive question session.
  • One-to-One Meetings with Key Stakeholders (30 minutes each) – individual discussions with core team members and collaborators.
• Final Meeting with CEO/Founders (30 minutes) – a high-level conversation to assess alignment with company vision, culture, and long-term goals.

Benefits

• Be part of a creative, world-leading team
• Competitive salary and share options scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance
• Cycle-to-work Scheme
• Flexible working
• Central London location

EEO Statement

Quantum Motion is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate based on age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, colour, religion, disability status, marital status, pregnancy, gender reassignment, religion or any other protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010.