Quantum Engineer - QEC Hardware in Reading

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.

The Purpose

Help develop the hardware capabilities required to make quantum error correction practical at the quantum processing unit level.

As a Quantum Engineer within our QEC Hardware Development team, you'll develop, demonstrate and characterise the components and subroutines needed for quantum error correction.

This includes exploring novel qubits, gates and couplers, alongside readout, reset and initialisation methods and the integration of inner error-detection and outer error-correction layers.

The Role

Working within OQC's Quantum Science & Exploratory Research team, you'll combine hands-on experimental physics, scientific software development and quantum processor characterisation.

You'll take ownership of research and development projects across their full lifecycle—from designing experiments and preparing prototype devices through to calibration, data analysis and reporting.

Working with engineers and scientists across OQC, you'll help bring up novel devices, investigate unconventional operating regimes and build a system-level understanding of the control, cryogenic and signal-delivery infrastructure that supports quantum error correction.

This role may involve occasional domestic and international travel for scientific conferences and collaborative research programmes.

• What You’ll Be Working On
• Develop experimental measurement methods to characterise quantum error-correction components and subroutines.
• Bring up, calibrate and evaluate novel research devices, often operating prototype hardware in unconventional or previously unexplored regimes.
• Develop and maintain experimental-control software, measurement tools, data-analysis workflows and scientific visualisations.
• Build a system-level understanding of the control electronics, cryogenic infrastructure and signal-delivery stack supporting QEC hardware.
• Prepare and install proof-of-concept QPU devices, working with laboratory teams to coordinate packaging, assembly, fridge scheduling and experimental readiness.
• Own research projects from experimental design and implementation through to scientific analysis, documentation and recommendations for future development.
• Share findings with technical teams, contribute to the QSER roadmap and support the development of junior Quantum Engineers through mentoring and knowledge-sharing.
• What We’re Looking For
• A Master's degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical or Electronic Engineering, or a related discipline. A Ph D is not required.
• Experience delivering scientific research or engineering projects from initial design through to experimentation, analysis and reporting.
• Software development or engineering experience gained in an industry, placement or research setting beyond purely personal or coursework-based use.
• Strong Python skills, or experience with a comparable language, for experimental automation, data analysis and scientific tooling.
• Hands-on experience with experimental physics systems such as microwave, optical, cold-atom or vacuum setups, or strong evidence of practical electronics and mechanical aptitude.
• The ability to analyse and distil complex scientific information and communicate clear findings and recommendations.
• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of end-to-end research and development within low technology-readiness environments.
• Creativity, curiosity and comfort solving problems involving prototype hardware with unfamiliar behaviours or capabilities.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across scientific, software, control, laboratory and engineering teams.
• A foundational understanding of—or genuine interest in—quantum computing. Deeper quantum knowledge can be developed within the role.
• The ‘Nice-to-Haves
• Experience measuring, operating or characterising quantum systems.
• Knowledge of superconducting qubits, trapped ions, photonics, solid-state spin systems, neutral atoms or another quantum-computing architecture.
• Experience with superconducting resonators, SQUIDs, microwave kinetic-inductance detectors, nano-electromechanical resonators or surface-acoustic-wave devices.
• Experience using or developing microwave-frequency hardware.
• Experience simulating the quantum or radio-frequency properties of superconducting circuits.
• Hands-on experience preparing and installing samples within cryogenic enclosures.
• Familiarity with RF or DC wiring, cryogenic refrigeration, vacuum systems or automated low-noise measurements.
• Scientific publication or presentation experience, particularly within superconducting circuits or experimental quantum technologies.
• Why Join OQC

You’ll join a multidisciplinary research team working on one of the most significant challenges in quantum computing: developing the physical capabilities required for reliable quantum error correction.

This is an opportunity to work directly with novel QPU hardware, advanced cryogenic infrastructure and experimental systems at an early stage of development.

You’ll have genuine ownership of your research, the freedom to explore new technical approaches and the opportunity to influence the future architecture of OQC’s quantum processors.

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