Quantum Engineer

At Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) we are building quantum computers to enable life-changing discoveries: from new drug modelisation to longer-lasting battery technology and portfolio optimisation. We have launched Europe’s first Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) – to bring quantum to our customers’ fingertips and help them improve their operations and trailblaze new commercial and scientific approaches.

Our team is composed of 40 people with various backgrounds in quantum physics, nanotechnologies, hardware, software and business operations from marketing to intellectual property. We are all bound by the desire to put OQC at the forefront of the quantum revolution and help solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.

As an OQC Quantum engineer, you will draw on your previous experience in superconducting circuits during your PhD, post-doctoral or commercial work in this field to develop and measure commercial quantum processors. You will have access to our new purpose-built quantum laboratory where you will be a vital part of the quantum hardware team. Here, you will work closely on multiple and varied projects within our multi-disciplinary team of physicists, nanotechnologists, electrical engineers, software developers, and more towards OQC’s mission of building a quantum computer.

We work in multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams to develop and deploy OQC’s Quantum Computers. This means that responsibilities can be varied depending on skills across:
Design, simulation and measurement of novel superconducting components for quantum processing or quantum processing support infrastructure
Scientific analysis of design & processor limitations
Regular input into OQCs evolving technology development roadmap
Creation and maintenance of process documentation, project plans and reports.
Representing OQC in scientific settings such as conferences, as part of collaborative consortia, and through the authorship of publications.

• A PhD or extensive experience (i.e. 2+ years of postdoc or R&D work) involving measurements of at least one of the following superconducting circuits:
  • Microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDS)
  • Superconducting resonators
  • SQUIDs
  • Superconducting qubits
  • Nano-electromechanical resonators (NEMs)
  • Surface-acoustic wave (SAW) devices
• Ability to distil and communicate scientific information effectively with the wider team
• Highly adaptable, good communication and interpersonal skills
• Software development experience, particularly in python (or similar languages) for automation of tasks required for research.
• Familiar with experimental laboratory work in an academic or commercial setting:
  • Sample preparation, handling and installation within cryogenic enclosures
  • Specification, maintenance and installation of rf and/or dc wiring
  • Operation and maintenance of cryogenic and vacuum systems.
  • Remote operation and automation of low-noise measurements

• Experience in the use and/or development of classical microwave frequency hardware
• Experience in simulations of either quantum or rf properties of superconducting circuits
• Capability and eagerness to learn independently about new subject area(s) and underlying technologies
• Scientific publication/presentation of results, whether in person or in writing, especially within the field of superconducting circuits.

OQC’s office is located in Shinfield, Reading. There will be a requirement for occasional travel throughout the UK and elsewhere abroad for conferences, meetings and engineering visits.

Please apply via https://apply.workable.com/oqc/ . As part of our application process we ask that you also provide us with a cover letter outlining why you think you would be a good fit for the role and what attracts you to OQC. Applications without a cover letter including this information will not be considered.

We look forward to hearing from you!

At OQC we are not just hoping you’ll fit in our culture. We aspire to thrive, as a company and as people, thanks to your diversity of thought and background. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to providing our team members with a work environment free from discrimination, where everyone is treated with respect. Our employment decisions are based on business needs, talent and merit and all our colleagues share in the responsibility for fulfilling our commitment to diversity. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, or if you think we can do better with our recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected]