Senior Optical Engineer in Harwell

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. From fundamental physics to leading edge commercial products, Infleqtion enables "quantum everywhere" through our ecosystem of devices and platforms. Our mission is to commercialise atom-based quantum products that provide orders of magnitude improvements in performance and computing applications.

Location: Infleqtion has offices in the USA, United Kingdom and Australia. This is a full-time position split between our Kidlington, Oxford office and the National Quantum Computing Centre, Harwell. Work from home permitted up to 2 days per week based on business needs and manager approval.

Position Summary: Our team seeks an experienced optical engineer with a background in optical design, analysis and integration. As a senior optical engineer, you will be exposed to a wide range of optical design challenges, working alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry to translate experimental concepts and requirements into engineered solutions. As a team we encourage a proactive hands‑on approach, giving our engineers the opportunity to research, design, build and test optical systems in a diverse and collaborative environment.

The duties and responsibilities outlined below include essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, this role may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.

• Collaboration with physicists, opto‑mechanical, mechanical, electrical and software engineers to lead the development of optical systems for quantum sensing and computing.
• From source to atom: Lead and execute the process from requirements and design to assembly and test for optical systems spanning laser distribution, modulation, delivery and imaging.
• Work at the component level up through to large sub‑systems containing hundreds of precisely aligned optical elements.
• Optimise, analyse and tolerance optical designs using computational methods.
• Use simulation tools to guide design decisions and communicate findings to project leaders both verbally and through design documentation.
• Lead the design review process for optical systems.
• Validate and characterise optical components and systems for performance, reliability, and stability by formulating and executing structured test plans.

Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics or similar field(s), or equivalent vocational qualification(s).

Technical Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum 5+ years of industry experience in a relevant field.
• Expertise in free space and fibre optic system design.
• Experience with the design and/or use of complex optical systems (e.g. compound lens systems, SLM's, DOE's).
• Hands on experience with precision alignment of optical and laser systems.
• Detailed understanding of optical beam quality and aberration minimisation.
• Experience with optical simulation tools (ANSYS Zemax preferred).
• Experience using optical test equipment such as beam profilers, polarimeters, optical spectrum analysers, wavemeters, wave-front sensors and photodiodes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Skills and Knowledge:

• Experience with design for beam stability in power, pointing, polarisation and phase.
• Experience with laser beam distribution, modulation and delivery.
• Experience with imaging system design and camera selection.
• Experience with laser systems, micro‑optics, photonically integrated circuits or metasurface components.
• Understanding of tolerance requirements for optical components and mounts.
• Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Entrepreneurial drive, intellectual agility and personal eagerness to develop with the needs of the business.
• Passion for solving complex problems and challenges in a highly technical and scientific environment.
• Ability to work comfortably in a highly collaborative, cross‑functional, team‑oriented, and matrixed environment.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Generous company 10% pension contribution regardless of employee contribution.
• Cycle to work and Technology schemes.
• Incentive Stock Option Plan.
• BUPA Private Healthcare Insurance once probationary period is successfully completed.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements: Work will normally be performed in an office and laboratory environment. Able to efficiently use automated office equipment such as laptops, copiers, and printers; able to effectively engage in communications (via phone, computer, or in‑person). Will involve sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying up to 10 kg.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Regardless of your interest in the quantum industry, you can take pride in the fact that Infleqtion is building an ecosystem of quantum technologies and commercial products, driving the industry towards the future. Studies reveal that while men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women and other groups tend to apply only when they meet all the criteria. If you believe you have the potential but don't meet every single point in our job advertisement, please don't hesitate to contact us! We would love to chat with you and see how you could bring great value to our team. Our goal is to find exceptional individuals who can enrich our team culture, actively contribute, and have a genuine passion for their work. Here you have freedom to embrace your whole self: who you love, your gender identity and expression, skin colour, age, appearance, disability, neurodiversity, DNA, military/veteran status, citizenship, and other factors that make up who you are. Your uniqueness is valued, welcomed, and appreciated here. 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.