Senior Facilities Engineer in Colchester

Quantum is now, and it's built here. Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world-leading trapped-ion technology, we're building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today's supercomputers cannot solve. Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology - faster, at scale, and with real world impact.

We are seeking a Senior Facilities Engineer to support the safe, compliant, and reliable operation of critical facilities infrastructure across laboratory, cleanroom, and technical manufacturing environments. This is a hands-on, front-line role responsible for executing day-to-day facilities operations, owning routine compliance tasks, and maintaining control of site activities. The role is expected to take direct ownership of facilities issues, ensuring they are managed through to resolution. The position works closely with the Head of Facilities and is critical in ensuring that compliance, contractor control, and system reliability do not rely on a single point of failure.

The role involves carrying out planned preventative and reactive maintenance across HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to support the reliable operation of critical utilities, including Process Chilled Water (PCW), Chilled Water (CHW), HVAC systems for controlled environments, and basic gas and utility distribution systems. Responsibilities include:

• Acting as a first responder to facilities faults and system issues, taking ownership through to resolution by performing fault finding, diagnostics, and escalation where required.
• Completion of routine compliance activities while ensuring effective system performance, reliability, and safety across site operations.
• Conducting fire alarm and life safety testing, Legionella control checks (L8), safety inspections, and basic statutory checks.
• Maintaining accurate, audit-ready records at all times, supporting audits and ensuring documentation remains complete, well-structured, and easily accessible.
• Proactively identifying and escalating compliance risks where necessary.
• Managing and controlling contractor activities on site, ensuring RAMS are reviewed, understood, and followed correctly.
• Ensuring all associated documentation, certification, and completion records are captured accurately.
• Supporting facilities operations across laboratory, ISO cleanroom, and technical manufacturing environments, helping maintain controlled conditions such as temperature, airflow, and cleanliness systems.
• Assisting with the installation, relocation, and setup of equipment and infrastructure, coordinating key interfaces including power, cooling, and other associated services required for new equipment integration.
• Raising, tracking, and closing work orders using the CMMS system while maintaining accurate asset registers and maintenance records.
• Supporting calibration tracking activities and contributing to the development and continuous improvement of SOPs and maintenance procedures.
• Responding to facilities incidents such as power loss, leaks, and system failures, taking ownership through to resolution or escalation as needed.
• Supporting emergency response procedures, business continuity activities, and participating in an on-call rota where required.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Carrying out minor repairs and general fabric maintenance across the site.
• Supporting goods-in, logistics activities, and equipment movement when required.
• Maintaining stock levels of critical spares and consumables.
• Supporting flexible day-to-day facilities and site operations to ensure continuity and efficiency.

To be successful in this role, you will need an NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds qualification, HNC, or equivalent in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services, alongside 3-5 years of experience within high-tech, laboratory, cleanroom, semiconductor, manufacturing, or similarly regulated environments. We are looking for someone with a strong working knowledge of MEP systems and building services, experience using CMMS systems, and a solid understanding of UK compliance frameworks, including L8, fire safety, and health & safety regulations. You will need to be confident interpreting technical drawings, SOPs, and specifications, while supporting critical laboratory and manufacturing operations where uptime, reliability, and compliance are essential.

You'd be a great fit with:

• Experience supporting cleanroom (ISO 58) environments.
• Experience with PCW / CHW systems or critical cooling infrastructure.
• Familiarity with BMS platforms (e.g. Trend, Tridium Niagara).
• IOSH qualification or equivalent.
• Experience working in audit-driven environments (GLP / GMP).

Additional experience that would be beneficial includes working within laboratory and cleanroom environments while following gowning and contamination control procedures, participating in on-call support and occasional out-of-hours or weekend working, and demonstrating a strong safety mindset with the confidence to challenge unsafe acts and ensure compliance across critical facilities infrastructure and operations.

Be part of a team that's shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role, you'll join a world class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing. We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family, and much more. Join us and be part of the future of quantum computing. We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.