Senior Quantum Engineer - QSER

OQC; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

OQC in Reading is seeking a Senior Quantum Engineer to lead complex experiments and drive the roadmap for superconducting quantum processors. You will own research projects from priorities to results, mentor engineers and present findings across collaborations.

The role blends hands-on measurement with technical leadership, spanning cryogenic systems, calibration, benchmarking, and qubit design exploration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience owning research projects involving quantum systems.
• Hands-on experience running experimental quantum measurements.
• Experience creating or running simulations of quantum or RF properties.
• Strong Python or similar language for automation and data analysis.
• Ability to analyse complex datasets and translate results into technical recommendations.
• Strong project leadership or management skills including resource scheduling and budgeting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.
• Creative, evidence-led problem solving with solid planning skills.
• Ability to influence technical direction and mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex scientific research projects from initial concept through implementation and reporting.
• Design, simulate and characterise novel superconducting components for quantum processors.
• Measure, calibrate and benchmark superconducting circuits, developing performance metrics.
• Lead investigations into alternative qubit architectures and packaging approaches.
• Coordinate scheduling and resourcing of quantum‑processing infrastructure.
• Shape the QSER technology roadmap and assess milestone feasibility.
• Mentor Quantum Engineers, maintain project documentation and represent OQC publicly.

Skills

Physics

Quantum engineering

Project leadership

Python for automation

Experiment design

Data analysis

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics or related field

PhD in physics / quantum engineering (nice-to-have)

Tools

Python

Cryogenic measurement equipment

Job description

Senior Quantum Engineer - QSER

At OQC, we aren’t just theorising about the future; we’re building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we’ve successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started.

The Purpose

Lead scientific research that advances OQC’s quantum processors, superconducting circuit technology and supporting infrastructure.

As a Senior Quantum Engineer, you’ll own complex research projects across the full scientific lifecycle—from identifying research priorities and designing experiments through to implementation, data analysis and final recommendations. Your work will directly influence OQC’s technology roadmap and the performance of future quantum processing units.

The Role

You’ll be a senior member of our Quantum Science & Exploratory Research team, combining hands‑on experimental research with technical leadership, project ownership and mentoring.

Working across superconducting quantum circuits, processor characterisation, calibration, benchmarking and cryogenic measurement systems, you’ll investigate the limitations of existing technologies and explore new approaches to qubit design, packaging and quantum‑processing infrastructure.

You’ll also help shape the QSER roadmap, coordinate the resources required to deliver experimental programmes and support the development of Quantum Engineers across the team.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Lead complex scientific research projects from initial concept and experimental design through to implementation, analysis, reporting and technical recommendations.
• Design, simulate and characterise novel superconducting components for quantum processors and their supporting infrastructure.
• Measure, calibrate and benchmark superconducting quantum circuits, developing performance metrics and investigating QPU design or processor limitations.
• Lead investigations into alternative qubit architectures and packaging approaches, translating experimental evidence into recommendations for future development.
• Coordinate the scheduling and resourcing of quantum‑processing infrastructure, including multiple cryogenic systems, control electronics and measurement equipment.
• Shape the QSER technology roadmap by reporting progress, assessing the feasibility of milestones and recommending future scientific priorities.
• Mentor Quantum Engineers, maintain high‑quality project documentation and represent OQC through conferences, research collaborations and scientific publications.

What We’re Looking For

• A degree in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering or another relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience owning research projects involving the measurement, characterisation or operation of quantum systems.
• Hands‑on experience running experimental quantum‑computing measurements, benchmarking processes or operational methods within an academic or industrial environment.
• Experience creating or running simulations of the quantum or radio‑frequency properties of superconducting circuits.
• Strong scientific software‑development skills, particularly Python or a comparable language, for experimental automation and data analysis.
• The ability to analyse complex datasets, develop meaningful performance metrics and translate results into clear technical recommendations.
• Strong project leadership or project‑management skills, including an understanding of resource, scheduling and budget implications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex scientific information for different technical audiences.
• A creative and evidence‑led approach to problem‑solving, combined with sound scientific judgement and strong planning skills.
• The ability to influence technical direction, delegate effectively and support the development of less‑experienced engineers.

The ‘Nice‑to‑Haves’

• A PhD in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering or a closely related field.
• Experience using or developing microwave‑frequency control hardware for superconducting quantum systems.
• Scientific publication experience, particularly within superconducting circuits, quantum measurement or related fields.
• Experience presenting research findings at conferences, technical reviews or collaborative research forums.
• Hands‑on experience preparing, handling and installing samples within cryogenic enclosures.
• Knowledge of the specification, installation and maintenance of RF or DC wiring.
• Experience operating and maintaining cryogenic refrigeration and vacuum systems.
• Experience developing remote‑operation or automation methods for low‑noise measurements.

Why Join OQC

You’ll join a multidisciplinary team working at the forefront of superconducting quantum computing, with the opportunity to take genuine ownership of research that informs both near‑term engineering decisions and OQC’s longer‑term technology direction.

This is an opportunity to combine deep scientific work with visible technical leadership—investigating novel quantum technologies, working directly with advanced cryogenic and measurement infrastructure, and helping develop the people and research capabilities behind OQC’s next generation of quantum processors.