Optical Systems Product Engineer (Photonic Quantum Computing) in London

ORCA Computing (“ORCA”) is at the forefront of a new era in high-performance computing, developing full-stack photonic quantum systems designed to transform how organizations tackle machine learning, generative AI, and complex optimization challenges. Headquartered in London, ORCA has delivered eleven on-premises quantum computers worldwide – demonstrating that its technology is not theoretical but already delivering real world results.

At the core of ORCA’s innovation is its hybrid quantum-classical architecture, engineered for seamless integration into existing AI and HPC infrastructure. Its current PT-2 system, a rack-mounted quantum computer, connects directly to GPU clusters via NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q platform, enabling accelerated AI workloads with significantly lower energy consumption than traditional silicon-based systems. Backed by a strong portfolio of patent families spanning photonic integrated circuits, quantum memory, and multiplexing technologies, ORCA is enabling enterprises, research institutions, and HPC operators to unlock new levels of performance, efficiency, and scalability.

As ORCA prepares to launch its next-generation PT-3 system, the company is entering a pivotal phase of growth and technological advancement. Its solutions are already being embedded into generative AI pipelines, delivering measurable improvements in model performance, while also addressing the rising energy demands of large-scale AI adoption. With a focus on practical deployment and a clear roadmap to fault‑tolerant quantum computing, ORCA is leading the development and deployment of quantum technology, providing a commercially viable path to the future of computing.

What will you do

• Own the end-to-end build and bring-up of key PT Series subsystems from assembly and commissioning through upgrades/decommissioning so systems are delivered on time and perform to spec.
• Diagnose complex opto‑electronic faults and drive root‑cause fixes, improving reliability, uptime, and repeatability across builds.
• Develop and improve assembly, test, and service procedures (including documentation and tooling) that make the system easier to build, maintain, and support in the field.
• Partner with R&D to productize new capabilities turning lab concepts into robust, manufacturable, customer‑ready features.
• Support customer installations and upgrades on‑site when needed, acting as a technical point of contact and ensuring a high‑quality handover.
• Work with suppliers to source components and subassemblies, balancing performance, cost, and lead times; identify opportunities for simplification and cost reduction.

What will you bring – required

• Degree (or equivalent practical experience) in physics, engineering, or a related field, with strong working knowledge of photonic/opto‑electronic systems.
• Demonstrated experience building, integrating, and troubleshooting complex hardware systems that combine optics, electronics, and software control.
• Hands‑on experience handling fibre optics and fibre components (e.g., patching, routing, cleanliness practices); comfortable working to high precision and repeatability.
• Ability to write and modify Python and/or C++ for instrumentation (drivers, data acquisition, automation, analysis).
• Ownership mindset: you take accountability for technical outcomes, communicate trade‑offs, and deliver in a commercially‑driven environment.
• Comfort working in a fast‑changing environment, you adapt quickly and help bring clarity and confidence to others.
• Curiosity and a drive to learn: you enjoy understanding how systems work and improving them.

Nice to have

• Interest in or experience with quantum optics/quantum computing, or other cutting‑edge scientific instruments.
• Experience with supply chain, procurement, or bill‑of‑materials (BOM) management.
• Knowledge of compliance and certification processes (e.g., CE, UKCA, FCC).
• Experience integrating hardware systems into on‑prem data centre environments.
• Experience in research‑driven or deep tech environments (e.g., venture‑backed startups) where speed, iteration, and customer delivery matter.

Who we are looking for

• Bias toward action: you make progress with incomplete information and validate assumptions quickly through hands‑on work.
• Resourceful problem‑solver: you find practical solutions whether that’s redesigning a procedure, building a jig, improving automation, or engaging a supplier.
• Customer‑minded engineering: you translate technical issues into product improvements that increase uptime, serviceability, and customer trust.
• Intellectual humility: you welcome challenge, share context, and change your mind when the data says so.
• Clear communicator in the moments that matter: you write down what you learned, surface risks early, and align people around next steps.

Joining ORCA Computing offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of quantum technology, where innovation is already delivering real‑world impact. Across commercial, operational, and product roles, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to bring advanced quantum systems to market and help integrate quantum capabilities into modern AI and data centre ecosystems. ORCA provides a rare chance to contribute to a pivotal moment in the evolution of computing. With a culture built on ownership, collaboration, and ambition, the company empowers individuals to solve complex challenges and shape how next‑generation quantum technologies are developed, deployed, and scaled across industries – driving a more efficient and powerful future for AI and compute.