Lead Quantum Engineer

Quantum Motion; Riverdale Park (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and share options

Health Insurance

Flexible working

Personalized laptop/kit choice

Located in a quantum hub

Job summary

Quantum Motion is seeking a Lead Quantum Engineer in Riverdale Park, Maryland. In this pivotal role, you will establish and oversee the company's first US lab, designing and validating silicon-based quantum processors. You’ll bridge research with the US quantum landscape, manage funding relationships, and lead a multidisciplinary team. An ideal candidate will hold a PhD in physics, chemistry, or engineering and have a proven record in leading complex quantum experiments. Benefits include competitive salary, flexible working, and share options.

Qualifications

• PhD in related field.
• Proven leadership in spin qubit characterization.
• Experience leading teams to successful outcomes.
• Familiarity with high-frequency electronics.
• Knowledge of quantum information systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment of the US lab.
• Translate company goals into experimental milestones.
• Manage relationships with government funding bodies.
• Provide technical input for ongoing research.
• Lead innovation and patenting activities.

Skills

Leadership in dynamical characterization

High-frequency electronics

Data analysis

Complex experiments design

Technical communication

Education

PhD degree in physics, chemistry, or engineering

Tools

Python

Matlab

Job description

About The Role and Team

The Quantum Hardware Team specializes in designing, validating and operating quantum processors based on silicon industrial technology.

As a Lead Quantum Engineer, you will be the cornerstone of Quantum Motion’s first physical presence in the US, building our visibility in the North American market. You will take charge of a state‑of‑the‑art, growing lab, overseeing the build‑out of our Maryland facilities whilst guiding the experimental validation of our full stack quantum computers.

This role is a unique blend of high‑level technical execution and strategic representation. You will bridge the gap between internal research and the broader US quantum landscape, acting as a primary interface with government bodies, funding agencies, and playing a vital role in building our visibility and presence in one of the US leading Quantum ecosystems.

Our Team

This role forms part of our investment in state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Maryland, US. It reflects our commitment to driving innovation and collaborating with some of the brightest minds in the quantum industry, and additionally taps into the strong semiconductor and cryogenic ecosystem. Our mission is global and this is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a team which is shaping the future of quantum computing.

As part of our lean, high‑impact and rapidly growing team, you will be working closely with our scientists, engineers and experts in a dynamic environment to make the site run smoothly and compliantly from day one, dedicated to contributing to the development of scalable quantum computers based on silicon technology.

Functions of the Role

Strategic Leadership

• Build and Scale: Lead the establishment and the operational growth of the US lab, ensuring it serves as a flagship facility for silicon‑based quantum hardware
• Technical Roadmap: Translate company goals into actionable US‑based experimental milestones, guiding the team from initial characterization into full‑stack validation
• External Representation: Act as the primary technical representative for Quantum Motion in the US. You will manage relationships with government funding bodies and agencies, and represent the lab in professional and public forums.
• Ecosystem Integration: Actively participate in the Maryland/DC quantum ecosystem, fostering collaborations and ensuring QM remains at the forefront of US semiconductor and cryogenic innovation.
• Talent Leadership: Identify technical gaps and lead the hiring process to build a high‑performing, multidisciplinary US research team.

Technical Direction

• Experimental Oversight: Provide high‑level technical input and guidance for ongoing research initiatives and experimental work
• QPU Design & Validation: Lead the validation of prototypes and components, utilizing data‑driven insights to pivot technical strategies as necessary
• Protocol Development: Oversee the implementation of protocols for high‑fidelity quantum logic operations on industrial‑grade silicon chips
• Innovation & IP: Lead patenting activities for your strategic area and contribute to major funding grant applications

Experience - Essentials

• PhD degree in physics, chemistry, or engineering
• Proven track record of leadership in dynamical characterization and control of spin qubits in solid‑state systems
• Experience in defining research goals and leading teams toward successful technical outcomes
• Familiar with the use of high‑frequency electronics
• Knowledge of quantum information systems and operations
• Ability to independently design and carry out complex experiments; perform data analysis and preparation of technical reports and presentations
• Knowledge of data acquisition software (Python, Matlab)
• Ability to lead and motivate a team
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical strategies to stakeholders, write grant applications, and author technical reports

Experience - Desirable

• Experience with the use of deep cryogenic measurement systems
• Experience with the dynamical characterization of silicon‑based nanoelectronic devices
• Knowledge and experience in nanofabrication
• Ability to supervise research students

Benefits

• Be part of a creative, world‑leading team
• Competitive salary and share options scheme
• Region‑specific benefits (e.g. Health Insurance)
• Choose your own laptop/kit
• Flexible working
• Located in Maryland College Park - a state‑of‑the‑art quantum hub

EEO Statement

Quantum Motion is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.