Technician

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC); Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) in Reading, United Kingdom, is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support its engineering operations and keep laboratory environments safe, well supplied and ready for engineers developing quantum computers.

You will monitor cryogenic systems, respond to incidents, maintain stock records and collaborate with Quantum Engineers, hardware and deployment teams across laboratories and workshops. This role involves occasional travel to support globally deployed devices.

Qualifications

• Experience in a technical or industrial environment is required.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the availability and performance of cryogenic equipment, coordinating servicing and escalating complex issues when required.
• Complete work orders involving electronic, electrical and mechanical assemblies, alongside general maintenance activities.
• 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, coordinating checks, orders and approved requisitions.
• Record incidents and technical issues accurately on agreed platforms, maintaining logs and communicating relevant updates to the wider organisation.

Skills

Technical environment

Safety procedures

Electrical measurement

Mechanical assembly

Water systems

Engineering qualification

Communication & problem-solving

Education

Technical apprenticeship or equivalent

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.

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.

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.