Senior Quantum Engineer - QSER

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC); Reading; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) seeks a senior leader to drive scientific research across superconducting quantum processors, cryogenic systems, and calibration, combining hands-on experiments with technical leadership.

You will mentor engineers, shape the QSER roadmap, coordinate resources for experimental programs, and communicate results through publications and conferences.

Qualifications

• Degree in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering or equivalent experience.
• Experience owning research projects involving measurement, characterisation or operation of quantum systems.
• Hands-on experience running experimental quantum measurements in academic or industrial settings.
• Experience creating or running simulations of quantum or RF properties of superconducting circuits.
• Strong software development skills for experimental automation and data analysis (Python preferred).
• Ability to analyse complex datasets and translate results into technical recommendations.
• Strong leadership or project-management skills, including resource scheduling and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex scientific research projects from concept to implementation and reporting.
• Design, simulate and characterise novel superconducting components for quantum processors.
• Measure, calibrate and benchmark superconducting quantum circuits and assess processor limitations.
• Investigate alternative qubit architectures and packaging approaches; translate findings into recommendations.
• Coordinate scheduling and resourcing of quantum-processing infrastructure and cryogenic systems.
• Shape the QSER technology roadmap and assess milestones and priorities.
• Mentor Quantum Engineers and represent OQC at conferences and collaborations.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Experimental leadership

Project management

Science communication

Problem solving

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Education

Physics or Quantum Engineering degree

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Lab equipment

Job description

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.

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.