At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of experimental quantum hardware platforms and integrate cutting-edge technologies.
- Company: Join OQC, a pioneering company in quantum computing with a culture of bold innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unique lab infrastructure, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with world-class experts and exciting career opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of quantum computing and redefine the limits of computation.
- Qualifications: Deep technical background in quantum hardware and experience leading technical teams.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
- Description
- Head of Experimental System Integration
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 dream into a commercial reality.
The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started and we’ve recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round – the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe.
The Purpose
As Head of Experimental System Integration, you'll lead the development of the sophisticated experimental platforms that enable OQC to push quantum computing forward.
Bringing together quantum processors, cryogenics, control electronics and HPC/real-time decoding, you'll build the integration capability that accelerates our R&D cycles and helps scale OQC towards fault-tolerant logical quantum computing.
The Role
Leading our Experimental System Integration function, you'll operate at the intersection of experimental physics, hardware development and embedded software engineering.
You'll own the architecture and integration of our R&D testbeds, lead and develop a highly technical team, and work across OQC's research programmes to turn ambitious scientific objectives into reliable, high-performance experimental systems.
Reporting to the VP Research, you'll also shape the team's technical roadmap, lead complex research projects and provide clear recommendations on priorities, resources and investment.
- What You'll Be Working On
- Lead the architecture and end-to-end integration of experimental quantum hardware testbeds, bringing together quantum processors, cryogenics, control electronics, firmware and HPC.
- Define technology-transfer pathways that turn emerging, high-TRL components and subsystems into stable, high-throughput experimental platforms.
- Embed across OQC's R&D programmes, translating research objectives into clear system requirements and integration strategies.
- Establish system-level verification, bring-up and validation standards that deliver repeatable, high-performance experimental operation.
- Build and lead a high-performing technical team, owning recruitment, objectives, performance, coaching and long-term capability development.
- Own the Experimental System Integration roadmap and delivery of complex research projects, coordinating resources and work across multiple technical teams.
- Drive operational excellence across experimental systems, improving tooling, diagnostics, uptime, throughput and repeatability while supporting external technical collaborations.
What We're Looking For
- A deep technical background in quantum hardware, cryogenic systems engineering, superconducting qubits or a closely related field.
- Commercial experience within a relevant technical or scientific environment.
- Experience leading and developing a technical team of approximately 5–10 people within a fast-changing organisation.
- Proven ownership of the full lifecycle of complex technical projects, from requirements and architecture through integration and delivery.
- Strong hands-on understanding of cryogenic system operation and electrical measurement.
- Strong leadership, delegation, project planning, data analysis and technical reporting capability.
- The ability to influence across disciplines, communicate complex technical concepts clearly and guide teams through challenging technical problems.
- Experience coordinating multiple technical teams to deliver against complex research or engineering objectives.
- Ph D or equivalent commercial experience.
- The 'Nice-to-Haves'
- Experience designing and implementing quantum or cryogenic systems.
- Experience working across a range of quantum or cryogenic system architectures.
- A track record of designing and delivering complex technology to specification.
- Experience coordinating larger multidisciplinary teams to produce complex technical outcomes.
- Strong technology roadmapping capability and experience translating longer-term technical goals into executable programmes.
- Experience developing and managing external partnerships across suppliers, government, commercial organisations or R&D teams.
- Why Join OQC
You will join a world-class team at the forefront of the next computational era.
We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation.
Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here
https://oqc. tech/company/careers-at-oqc/
Head of Experimental System Integration in Reading employer: Oxford Quantum Circuits
At Oxford Quantum Circuits, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our Live Services team is dedicated to employee growth, offering opportunities to develop cutting-edge monitoring solutions in the exciting field of quantum computing. Located in the vibrant city of Oxford, we provide a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the future of technology, making your work both meaningful and rewarding.
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We think this is how you could land Head of Experimental System Integration in Reading
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Experimental System Integration in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Experimental System Integration, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Quantum Circuits
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Oxford Quantum Circuits, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
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Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Oxford Quantum Circuits want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
