Senior Quantum Systems Architect — Trapped‑Ion Platform

Oxford Ionics; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IonQ stock options

Annual performance bonus

Generous annual leave

Flexible hybrid working

Private medical and dental insurance

Job summary

Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is building the next generation of trapped‑ion quantum computers with electronic qubit control. You will shape system architecture across the stack, balancing complexity and practicality while working with electronics, controls/software, and experimental hardware teams.

You will translate high‑level goals into concrete specifications, justify trade‑offs with data, and communicate decisions to diverse technical audiences to drive rapid progress.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, EE, CS, or a closely related field with 3+ years' experience in quantum computing.
• Broad understanding across the quantum stack and practical hardware knowledge.
• Hands-on experience with design, operation, or characterization of quantum hardware.
• Strong analytical and scientific computing skills; able to justify decisions with data.
• Clear written and verbal communication for varied technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Own system-level architecture for next-generation trapped-ion quantum computers; define requirements, interfaces, and integration.
• Translate system goals into engineering specifications and work packages for domain teams (electronics, controls/software, experimental hardware).
• Make and document trade-off decisions between subsystems (performance, reliability, scalability) using evidence and analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering and science teams through design, manufacture, operation, and characterization; update architectural plans with findings.
• Communicate complex technical decisions clearly to varied audiences to enable fast alignment and scalable execution.

Skills

System architecture

Analytical thinking

Communication

Quantum hardware knowledge

Education

PhD in Physics, EE, CS, or related field

Job description

Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is building the next generation of trapped‑ion quantum computers with electronic qubit control. You will shape system architecture across the stack, balancing complexity and practicality while working with electronics, controls/software, and experimental hardware teams.

You will translate high‑level goals into concrete specifications, justify trade‑offs with data, and communicate decisions to diverse technical audiences to drive rapid progress.