Senior Optical Scientist

The future is quantum. Oxford Ionics is at the forefront of pioneering quantum computing, delivering world-leading innovation to create the most powerful, accurate, and reliable quantum systems. Quantum computing offers a radically new way of building computers that harnesses the power of quantum physics to outperform conventional supercomputers exponentially. Using our unique trapped-ion technology, we are leading the race to unleash quantum computing's unparalleled potential.

What to expect: We are building the world’s highest-performing quantum computers, integrating cutting-edge technologies across optics and electronics into chip-scale devices. As a Senior Optical Scientist, you will play a key role in advancing optical imaging techniques to optimise the performance and scalability of our technology.

What you’ll be responsible for:

• You will lead the design, development and implementation of high-precision optical imaging systems for trapped-ion quantum computing. Your work will be integral to ensuring high performance optical solutions across our quantum computing platforms.
• Leading ion imaging: Lead the design, assembly, and testing of imaging systems for quantum hardware, ensuring optimal performance and alignment with system requirements.
• Architecting optical readout: Evaluate the feasibility of different imaging solutions and drive the decision-making process for the best approach to various chips.
• Defining system specifications: Collaborate with teams of expert engineers and scientists to establish and refine imaging system specifications.
• Ensuring seamless system integration: Work closely with quantum hardware engineers to integrate imaging solutions into the overall system architecture, with a particular focus on managing stray scatter.
• Troubleshooting and optimisation: Identify and mitigate aberrations, background noise, and other optical challenges as they arise.
• Managing external collaborations: Oversee outsourcing of custom optical and opto-mechanical component fabrication and assembly.

You will need expertise in optical system design, with a strong background in developing and analysing hybrid optical systems, including geometric, fibre, photonic integrated circuits and meta-optics. Your ability to design, evaluate and refine these systems will be critical to ensuring high performance integration with our quantum hardware. Hands-on experience with simulation, fabrication and validation will be essential. You should be comfortable using commercial tools for optical modelling, managing the outsourcing and fabrication of custom optical components and implementing rigorous test plans to validate system performance.

Collaboration will be a key part of the role, requiring you to work closely with physicists and engineers to define system requirements and seamlessly integrate optical technologies. If you thrive in a multidisciplinary environment and are passionate about advancing optical science in quantum computing, we’d love to hear from you.

Oxford Ionics is leading the way in quantum technology, and we need skilled, innovative individuals like you. We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career with a world-class team, business stock options, generous annual leave, flexible 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. Oxford Ionics is committed to equal opportunity for all.