Technician

Oxford Quantum Circuits; Reading; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Quantum Circuits is seeking a Laboratory Technician in Reading to keep cryogenic equipment available and support engineers developing our quantum computers. You will monitor systems, handle safety records, and assist with setup, assembly and maintenance across laboratories and workshops, including occasional travel to support globally deployed devices.

Candidates should have hands-on electrical and mechanical assembly skills, experience in technical environments, and a practical,

Qualifications

• Experience in technical/industrial environments.
• Ability to follow health and safety procedures and document risk assessments.
• Practical electrical measurement skills.
• Hands-on experience assembling mechanical components for scientific equipment.
• Experience operating water systems and manifolds.
• Apprenticeship or degree in engineering with industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cryogenic equipment availability and performance, coordinate servicing and fault escalation.
• Complete work orders involving electronic, electrical and mechanical assemblies.
• Support setup, assembly, disassembly and maintenance of quantum computers.
• Maintain health and safety standards and document risk assessments.
• Respond to alerts, troubleshoot, and manage incidents including dilution refrigerator faults.
• Monitor resources, stock and liquid nitrogen levels, coordinate checks and requisitions.
• Record incidents and issues with logs and updates.

Skills

Tech environment experience

H&S procedures

Electrical measurement skills

Mechanical assembly experience

Water systems & manifolds

Adaptable problem-solving

Education

Technical apprenticeship / BTEC or engineering degree

Job description

Laboratory Technician

At OQC, we aren't just theorising about the future; we're building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we've transitioned quantum computing from an academic ambition into a commercial reality—and we're just getting started.

The Purpose

Keep OQC's laboratory environments safe, well supplied and ready for the engineers developing our quantum computers.

As a Laboratory Technician, you'll help maintain critical cryogenic equipment, complete practical engineering work orders and support the assembly and upkeep of the systems that enable our technical teams to deliver their objectives.

The Role

Working within Engineering Operations and reporting to the Laboratory Supervisor, you'll provide hands-on support across OQC's laboratories, workshops and other technical spaces.

You'll monitor equipment, respond to incidents, maintain stock and safety records, and work closely with Quantum Engineers, hardware teams, deployment teams and other Laboratory Technicians. The role includes acting as a first responder during scheduled shifts and agreed on-call periods, with occasional travel to support OQC's globally deployed devices.

What You'll Be Working On

• Maintain the availability and performance of cryogenic equipment, coordinating servicing, resolving faults and escalating complex issues when required.
• Complete work orders involving electronic, electrical and mechanical assemblies, alongside general maintenance activities supporting the development of OQC's quantum computers.
• Support the set-up, assembly, disassembly and maintenance of quantum computers and associated scientific equipment.
• Help maintain day-to-day health and safety standards across laboratories and workshops, including preparing and documenting risk assessments under appropriate supervision.
• Respond to alerts and technical incidents, assess immediate risks, troubleshoot issues such as dilution refrigerator faults or chemical spills, and elevate where necessary.
• Monitor laboratory resources, stock and liquid nitrogen levels, working with the Stores Controller to coordinate checks, orders and approved requisitions.
• Record incidents and technical issues accurately on agreed platforms, maintaining clear logs and communicating relevant updates to the wider organisation.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working in a technical or industrial environment.
• Experience following health and safety procedures and preparing or documenting risk assessments.
• Practical electrical measurement skills.
• Hands-on experience assembling and fitting mechanical components, ideally involving scientific or technical equipment.
• Experience operating water systems and manifolds.
• A technical apprenticeship, BTEC or relevant engineering degree, supported by industry experience.
• An adaptable and practical approach, with strong communication, creativity and problem-solving skills.

The Nice-to-Haves

• Experience supporting project-management activities or coordinating technical work.
• Experience working with vendors or external service providers.
• Familiarity with cryogens, cryogenic equipment or dilution refrigerator systems.
• Knowledge of vacuum systems, quantum computers or high-pressure cylinders and manifolds.
• Additional technical qualifications in a mechanical or electrical discipline.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, sound decision-making and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.