Engineering Operations Supervisor in Reading

Engineering Operations Supervisor

At OQC, we aren’t just theorising about the future; we’re building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we’ve successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic ambition into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started—and we’ve recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round, the largest private funding round for a quantum computing company in Europe.

The Purpose

Create and maintain the safe, reliable and well‑organised technical environments that enable OQC’s engineers to build, test and operate quantum computers.

As our Engineering Operations Supervisor, you’ll oversee the day‑to‑day operation of the laboratories and workshops at your designated OQC site. You’ll ensure our technical spaces, equipment and supporting infrastructure remain safe, compliant, fully maintained and ready for experimental work.

The Role

Working within Engineering Operations, you’ll provide hands‑on leadership across laboratory and workshop activities while supporting Quantum Engineers, Control Engineers and other technical teams.

You’ll coordinate equipment maintenance, work orders, suppliers, procurement, budgets, stock and health and safety. You’ll also help assemble and maintain scientific equipment, including the cryogenic systems used to support OQC’s superconducting quantum computers.

This is a practical, operational role requiring someone who can anticipate problems, respond confidently to technical incidents and create the processes needed to keep complex engineering environments running effectively.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Own the safe, compliant and effective operation of OQC’s laboratory and workshop environments, working with the Facilities Operations Manager and external auditors to maintain appropriate standards.
• Coordinate the ordering, installation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, with a particular focus on cryogenic dilution refrigerators, compressors, chillers and oxygen‑detection systems.
• Manage technical work orders from Quantum Engineers and Control Engineers, ensuring requests are prioritised, tracked and completed accurately and on time.
• Respond to equipment failures, safety concerns and laboratory incidents by troubleshooting problems, mitigating immediate risks and escalating complex or high‑impact issues.
• Support the assembly, disassembly, installation, testing and maintenance of quantum computers, scientific equipment, and associated mechanical and electrical devices.
• Manage suppliers, stock levels, liquid nitrogen monitoring, purchase requests and budget forecasts, working closely with the Stores Controller and Director of Engineering Operations.
• Document laboratory processes and standards, coordinate relevant health and safety training, and occasionally support equipment installations at OQC deployment sites in the UK and overseas.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience leading people or coordinating technical teams within a laboratory, workshop or similarly complex engineering environment.
• Experience managing technical laboratories or workshops, ideally within a data centre, scientific facility or other operationally critical setting.
• A practical understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements, including the ability to identify risks, apply standards and maintain accurate documentation.
• Experience coordinating procurement, equipment purchases, supplier relationships and budget approvals.
• Strong vendor and supplier‑management skills, including the ability to schedule maintenance and oversee external contractors.
• Hands‑on experience with the assembly and fitting of scientific or engineering equipment.
• Knowledge of water systems and manifolds, vacuum systems, and electrical measurement and diagnostic techniques.
• Strong planning, organisation and problem‑solving skills, with the confidence to make decisions and elevate issues appropriately.
• Clear communication and active‑listening skills, with the ability to influence colleagues and collaborate across different technical disciplines.
• A technical apprenticeship, BTEC, HNC/HND, degree or equivalent experience in engineering or a related discipline.

The ‘Nice‑to‑Haves’

• Experience working within quantum computing or high‑performance computing environments.
• Experience maintaining cryogenic, vacuum or cleanroom systems.
• Budget‑management and financial‑forecasting experience.
• A track record of improving laboratory, workshop or technical‑operations processes.
• Experience coaching and developing technicians or other technical colleagues.
• A recognised health and safety qualification, such as IOSH or NEBOSH.
• A project‑management qualification, such as PRINCE2.
• Experience supporting the installation and commissioning of complex scientific equipment at customer or deployment sites.

Why Join OQC

You’ll join a world‑class team working at the forefront of the next era of computing. This position offers the opportunity to take genuine ownership of the environments in which OQC’s quantum technology is assembled, tested and developed—directly enabling engineers and scientists to perform their best work.

You’ll work with distinctive cryogenic and laboratory infrastructure, solve a varied range of practical engineering challenges, and help establish the operational standards that support OQC’s continued growth. OQC also provides a competitive benefits package, including private medical insurance, pension contributions, income protection and enhanced family leave.