At a Glance
- Tasks: Own materials planning for engineering builds and ensure timely production schedules.
- Company: Join IonQ, a leader in quantum computing innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of quantum technology with a world-class team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in materials planning and strong ERP/MRP experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world's leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world's most complex problems. IonQ's newest generation quantum computers, IonQ Tempo and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in cutting‑edge systems that have been helping customers and partners such as Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA achieve 20x performance results. The company achieved 99.99% two‑qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance in 2025. The company is accelerating its technology roadmap and intends to deliver the world's most powerful quantum computers with 2 million qubits by 2030 to accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. IonQ's advancements in quantum networking position the company as a leader in building the quantum internet.
We are seeking a Senior Materials Planner to join our Supply Chain and Inventory team in Oxford. You will take ownership of the factory schedule for Oxford manufacturing, making sure the right materials are planned, available and understood so builds can move on time. This is a hands‑on planning role for someone who knows how manufacturing systems really work. You will use MRP and ERP data every day, but you will also be expected to question the system, troubleshoot gaps and dig into issues when something does not look right. You will be based on site in Oxford, embedded with the local manufacturing team, while reporting into the wider supply chain organisation. You will work closely with engineering, production, internal customers and vendors to keep complex technical builds moving.
What you'll be responsible for:
- You will own MRP‑driven materials planning for engineering builds and NPI schedules, translating system data, forecasts and material availability into practical daily and weekly build plans.
- Your work will help the factory understand what can be built, what is at risk, and what needs to happen next.
- You will manage purchase requisitions, production work orders, vendor coordination and delivery expediting, while tracking material readiness and shortages.
- When plans change or materials are constrained, you will work with internal teams and suppliers to find options, communicate the impact and recover the schedule where possible.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Maintaining accurate build schedules based on forecast demand and material availability.
- Troubleshooting MRP, ERP and BOM‑related issues where the data does not look right.
- Reporting material readiness, shortages and constraints to engineering and production stakeholders.
- Supporting continuous improvement across planning processes, data quality and schedule reliability.
What you'll need:
- You will need experience in materials planning within a manufacturing environment, ideally where builds are complex, technical and not high‑volume repeat production.
- We are looking for someone with strong MRP experience across planning, purchasing, inventory and manufacturing operations, alongside the judgement to challenge system outputs and investigate root causes.
- You should be confident working with ERP systems, multi‑level BOMs and production schedules, and comfortable using Excel or spreadsheets to analyse and communicate planning information.
- NPI experience would be helpful, but the key requirement is hands‑on manufacturing planning experience in an environment where priorities change and problems need to be solved quickly.
You'd be a great fit with:
- 5+ years' experience in materials planning, manufacturing planning or manufacturing engineering.
- Experience using NetSuite or another complex ERP/MRP system.
- Exposure to complex manufacturing environments such as medical systems, automotive, transport, advanced engineering or similar.
- Power BI, dashboarding, programme reporting or supply chain certifications such as CIPS, CILT, APICS CPIM or CSCP.
So why us?
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.
Senior Materials Engineer in Oxford employer: Oxford Ionics
Oxford Ionics is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, stock options, and flexible working arrangements, all while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in quantum computing technology. With a strong focus on professional growth and a supportive culture, this is a place where your skills can truly thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Materials Engineer in Oxford
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Oxford Ionics, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Materials Engineer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Oxford Ionics specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Ionics
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Oxford Ionics, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Oxford Ionics value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
