Opto Mechanical Engineer in Kidlington

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.

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: This role will support the quantum computing team's optomechanical engineering group and collaborate with a cross‑functional team of scientists and engineers whose mission is to build the world's most useful quantum computing systems. As an opto‑mechanical 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 into engineered solutions. As a team we encourage a proactive hands‑on approach, giving our engineers the opportunity to research, design, build and test opto‑mechanical systems in a diverse and collaborative environment.

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with physicists and optical, electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to gather optomechanical system requirements.
• Support the full beam delivery design, assembly and test cycle for optomechanical systems from the component level up through large sub‑systems containing hundreds of precisely aligned optical elements.
• Use optical and mechanical simulation tools (SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS Zeemax) to guide design decisions, communicating findings to project leaders both verbally and through design documentation.
• Create CAD models (SolidWorks), drawings, and documentation packages in accordance with company design guidelines and industry best practice.
• Develop manufacturing processes to ensure accurate and repeatable assembly and alignment of the modules you create.
• Characterize optomechanical components and systems for performance, reliability, and stability by formulating and executing structured test plans.

Technical Knowledge:

• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics or similar field(s), or equivalent vocational qualification(s) and at least two years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in free space and/or fibre optical system design.
• Hands on experience with precision alignment of optical and laser systems.
• Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• In depth understanding of GD&T and technical drawing practices (ASME or ISO).
• Fundamental understanding of laser beams and reflective and refractive optics design.
• Demonstrated understanding of laser safety principles and regulatory requirements, including hazard identification/classification, risk assessment, and the implementation of appropriate engineering, administrative, and procedural controls in the design and operation of laser systems.
• Experience with optomechanical fixturing in a controlled environment, with focus on ease of alignment and maintenance, and stability and reliability.
• Experience using optical test equipment including power meters, optical spectrum analysers, wavemeters, Fabry-Perot interferometers, polarimeters, wave‑front sensors and photodiodes.
• Experience with optical simulation tools (ANSYS Zeemax).
• Familiarity with structural and thermal analysis tools and methods.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 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.

Desirable skills and knowledge:

• Experience working with and designing systems that contain high power lasers.
• Experience with micro‑optics, photonic integrated circuits or metasurface components.
• Experience with design for harsh dynamic environments (shock, vibration, temperature, humidity).
• Experience with magnetic field simulation and shielding.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment using data management systems such as PDM, PLM or ERP.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Incentive Stock Option Plan
• Generous company 10% pension contribution regardless of employee contribution
• Cycle to work and Technology schemes
• Unlimited PTO
• 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.