Quantum Applications Engineer in England

Salary: Band S1 £46,444 gross per annum

Contract Type: Up to 3x Permanent Positions

Hours: Full-Time or Part Time (minimum 0.6FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

About NQCC: The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing. Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry, and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum-ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing.

About the Role: As a Quantum Applications Engineer within the National Quantum Computing Centre’s Quantum Applications Team (QAT), you will develop innovative quantum computing solutions to real-world problems, translating emerging quantum computing technologies into practical applications across a range of sectors. Working at the intersection of enabling elements such as quantum algorithms, benchmarking, error correction and software tools, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and developers, with access to cutting-edge quantum computing platforms and testbeds. Your work will contribute to the NQCC’s mission to accelerate the UK’s quantum readiness and unlock the potential of quantum computing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively across the team to develop practical applications for quantum computing.
• Utilise and retailor quantum algorithms; build models and develop code; programme quantum computers using relevant Software Development Kits (SDKs) and programming environments.
• Work with colleagues and external stakeholders to identify suitable problem types and develop use-cases for quantum computing relevant to priority sectors, such as life sciences, healthcare, finance, energy and transport.
• Analyse quantum advantage for practical problems, using leading classical techniques that solve those problems as a benchmark.
• Become a skilled practitioner for agile and software engineering methodologies.
• Deliver technical work on collaborative projects with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Report on and communicate key findings and results, including the publication of non-confidential results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in meetings, conferences and workshops to disseminate results, informing and educating stakeholders about the team’s work.
• Upskill yourself and keep up with the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.
• Contribute to the delivery of the NQCC’s strategic objectives and the UK’s delivery of Quantum Mission 1.

Person Specification: This role is suitable for motivated persons holding Masters-level qualifications or equivalent experience in quantum algorithms and applications development, physics or quantum technologies, who also have the aptitude and passion to upskill and expand their knowledge in the field. A Quantum Applications Engineer works well as part of a multidisciplinary team and showcases great aptitude in developing their technical, teamworking and communications skills. You will be proactive, self-motivated and able to work in a dynamic environment.

Employee Benefits:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Security Vetting: Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they are appointed. The required security clearance needed is CTC.

Join us and discover what’s possible!

About Us: UKRI – UK Research and Innovation is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

How we support EDI in the workforce: At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so.

Disability Confident Employer: As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview.