At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative photonics projects and develop cutting-edge quantum technologies.
- Company: Join Infleqtion, a global leader in quantum technology with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous pension contributions, unlimited PTO, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Flexible work options and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the quantum tech field while working with top experts.
- Qualifications: PhD in Photonics or related field with 5+ years of experience in integrated photonics.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Infleqtion is a global quantum technology company solving the world’s most challenging problems. The company harnesses quantum mechanics to build and integrate quantum computers, sensors, and networks. Our mission is to commercialise atom-based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in performance and computing applications.
Infleqtion has offices in the USA, United Kingdom, and Australia. This is a full-time position mainly in our Kidlington, Oxford office with the occasional requirement to be in the National Quantum Computing Centre, Harwell. Work from home permitted up to 2 days per week based on business needs and manager approval.
The Photonics Technical Lead (PTL) plays a strategic role in shaping and advancing Infleqtion's integrated photonics capabilities, working closely with global technical and business leaders to transition innovative technologies into products and customer solutions. As the UK technical lead and primary point of contact for integrated photonics, this role is responsible for developing and executing the photonics roadmap across a portfolio of projects spanning photonic integrated circuits (PICs), laser systems, and integrated photonic subsystems for quantum technologies.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Overseeing technical project execution.
- Leading photonics research and development activities.
- Managing technical personnel.
- Developing external partnerships.
- Identifying opportunities to transition photonics technologies into commercial products.
The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership skills to help establish and grow Infleqtion's global photonics capabilities.
Project and Technical Leadership
- Lead the UK integrated photonics capability and act as the primary technical point of contact for photonics activities.
- Oversee the technical performance of a portfolio of photonics projects, ensuring alignment with business, product, and customer objectives.
- Develop and maintain technical roadmaps for PICs, laser systems, and integrated photonic subsystems.
- Collaborate with Quantum Systems teams to identify and develop integrated photonics opportunities.
- Set technical objectives, assess feasibility, manage technical risks, and support project delivery.
- Present technical updates, milestone reviews, design reviews, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
- Identify technologies suitable for product development, commercialisation, and intellectual property protection.
Integrated Photonics Development
- Lead the design, simulation, layout, fabrication, testing, and packaging of silicon photonics PICs.
- Design and develop photonic components including lasers, modulators, passive devices, and integrated subsystems.
- Work with foundry partners, III-V gain chip suppliers, and packaging companies to develop and integrate photonic devices.
- Lead laboratory testing and characterisation of PIC-based devices, including automated test methods.
- Characterise lasers and modulated laser systems, including DC measurements, frequency noise, relative intensity noise, and high-speed waveform analysis.
- Evaluate micro-combs and PIC-based approaches for miniature frequency combs and atom-addressing applications.
Team, Stakeholder, and Partner Engagement
- Build, lead, and mentor technical contributors within the photonics team.
- Assign responsibilities and guide project-level technical contributors toward successful outcomes.
- Work closely with global technical teams across the UK, US, and Australia.
- Act as a technical interface with partners, suppliers, subcontractors, customers, and collaborators.
- Support proposal development, statements of work, technical planning, and externally funded programme activities.
- Promote strong HSE practices and safe working culture in laboratory environments.
What You Will Bring to the Team
Technical Knowledge
- PhD in Photonics, Optoelectronics, or a related discipline.
- Deep expertise in integrated photonics and PIC-based device development.
- Advanced proficiency in photonics simulation techniques, including FDTD, EME, FEM, BPM, or similar methods.
- Hands-on experience with commercial photonics design, simulation, and layout tools such as Lumerical, Synopsys, or similar.
- Strong understanding of silicon photonics design, layout, fabrication, packaging, and test workflows.
- Experience with lasers, modulators, passive photonic devices, frequency combs, and high-speed optical measurement systems.
- Ability to quickly understand complex technical concepts and communicate them clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience
- 5+ years’ experience post PhD developing PIC-based devices or integrated photonic systems in quantum, telecom, sensing, datacom, or related fields.
- Experience leading technical projects, teams, or work packages in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Experience working with foundries, packaging partners, component suppliers, or external collaborators.
- Track record of developing complex technologies from concept through validation, prototype, or product transition.
- Experience supporting proposals, externally funded projects, or customer-facing technical programmes.
- Comfort working in a dynamic, collaborative, matrixed environment.
Desirable Skills and Knowledge
- Experience with atomic physics applications.
- Experience with heterogeneous integration of III-V and silicon photonic devices.
- Knowledge of micro-combs, optical frequency combs, or laser frequency stabilisation.
- Experience with automated photonics test systems and data analysis.
- Familiarity with product development, commercialisation, and IP generation.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are dedicated to providing a positive workplace and base all employment decisions on your qualifications, performance, merits, as well as business needs. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Incentive Stock Option Plan
- Generous company 10% pension contribution regardless of employee contribution
- Cycle to work scheme
- Tax efficient technology schemes
- BUPA Private Healthcare Insurance once probationary period is successfully completed
- Unlimited PTO subject to fair usage
Photonics Technical Lead employer: Infleqtion Inc.
Infleqtion is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Kidlington, Oxford, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and mentorship within a cutting-edge field of quantum technology. Our generous benefits package, including competitive salaries, a 10% pension contribution, and unlimited PTO, reflects our dedication to fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Photonics Technical Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the photonics and quantum tech space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your projects and achievements in integrated photonics. Whether it's a presentation, a website, or a LinkedIn showcase, make sure potential employers can see what you're capable of.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s work. Understand Infleqtion's mission and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in developing photonic integrated circuits and laser systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested in joining us at Infleqtion. Plus, it gives you a better chance of being noticed by our hiring team. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Photonics Technical Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Photonics Technical Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in integrated photonics and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Infleqtion!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quantum technology and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about working with Infleqtion.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any projects related to photonic integrated circuits or laser systems, make sure to mention them! We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so don't hold back on the details.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Infleqtion!
How to prepare for a job interview at Infleqtion Inc.
✨Know Your Photonics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of integrated photonics and PIC-based device development. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your deep technical expertise and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Photonics Technical Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, focusing on how you guided your team towards successful outcomes. Highlight your experience in mentoring and building technical contributors.
✨Align with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Infleqtion's mission and current projects. Think about how your skills and experiences align with their goals of commercialising atom-based quantum products. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their vision of 'quantum everywhere'.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to dive deep into technical discussions during your interview. Brush up on photonics simulation techniques and be ready to explain complex concepts clearly. Practise articulating your thoughts on design, testing, and integration of photonic devices, as well as any relevant experience with foundries and partners.
