Head of Design Engineering in London

Head of Design Engineering in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
OxfordQuantumCircuits

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to design and deliver groundbreaking quantum computing hardware.
  • Company: Join OQC, a pioneer in quantum computing innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, unique lab access, and a culture of bold innovation.
  • Other info: Be part of a world-class team redefining technology limits.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of computation and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in leading engineering projects.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

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.

You will lead the development and delivery of critical quantum computing hardware, driving design excellence from concept through to manufacture. You’ll shape how our designs move from idea to release, building scalable processes that power our technology roadmap.

The Role

  • Lead a high-performing Design Engineering team responsible for the design, analysis, prototyping, and manufacture of quantum computing components across cryogenic and room temperature environments.
  • Establish and own the design release function—defining processes, implementing tooling, and ensuring seamless collaboration across science, engineering, and operations.

What You’ll Be Working On

  • Leading and developing a team of design engineers to deliver high-quality engineering designs and components.
  • Owning end-to-end design delivery, including analysis, prototyping, and manufacturing via internal and external capabilities.
  • Defining and implementing the design release process across the quantum computing stack.
  • Driving supplier strategy, including sourcing, performance management, and ensuring continuity of supply.
  • Managing project delivery, tracking progress, and reporting to senior leadership with real-time insights.
  • Identifying and mitigating project risks, providing actionable recommendations to maintain delivery momentum.
  • Overseeing BOM ownership and cross-functional coordination to support design releases aligned to the technology roadmap.

What We’re Looking For

  • Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or Manufacturing discipline.
  • Proven experience leading cross-functional engineering or technical projects from inception to completion.
  • Strong background in project delivery within engineering, manufacturing, construction, or operational environments.
  • Experience managing external suppliers and assessing value for money.

The 'Nice-to-Haves'

  • Experience presenting to executive stakeholders or customers.
  • Knowledge of PLM / ERP systems supporting design release and BOM processes.
  • Negotiation and mediation skills.
  • Leadership or Health & Safety qualifications.

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.

Head of Design Engineering in London employer: OxfordQuantumCircuits

At OQC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a culture of bold innovation and collaboration. As the Head of Design Engineering, you will not only lead a talented team at the cutting edge of quantum computing but also benefit from our commitment to employee growth through unique lab infrastructure and a supportive work environment. Join us in redefining the future of computation while enjoying a range of benefits that enhance your professional journey.
OxfordQuantumCircuits

Contact Detail:

OxfordQuantumCircuits Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Design Engineering in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the quantum computing field, especially those at OQC. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for design engineering! When you get the chance to speak with someone from OQC, share your ideas on how you’d tackle challenges in quantum hardware. It’s all about making a memorable impression.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into OQC's projects and values. Tailor your responses to reflect their bold innovation philosophy, and don’t forget to highlight your leadership experience in cross-functional teams.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the OQC team and contributing to the future of quantum computing.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design Engineering in London

Leadership
Design Engineering
Project Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Supplier Management
Risk Management
BOM Management
Prototyping
Manufacturing Processes
Process Definition
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Health & Safety Knowledge
PLM / ERP Systems Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Innovation: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for bold innovation shine through. We want to see how your experiences and ideas align with our mission of transforming quantum computing from theory to reality.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading design engineering projects. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver high-quality results, so don’t hold back!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and how they relate to the role. Remember, clarity is key!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on being part of our journey!

How to prepare for a job interview at OxfordQuantumCircuits

✨Know Your Quantum Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quantum computing and its applications. Understand the current trends and challenges in the field, as well as OQC's specific contributions. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also passionate about the industry.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Design Engineering, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams and driven projects from inception to completion. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing talent within your team.

✨Be Ready to Discuss Processes

Familiarise yourself with design release processes and project management methodologies. Be prepared to discuss how you would define and implement these processes at OQC. Think about how you can ensure seamless collaboration across different departments and what tools you would use to facilitate this.

✨Prepare for Real-Time Problem Solving

Expect to be asked about how you would handle project risks and challenges. Come equipped with examples of past experiences where you identified issues and provided actionable recommendations. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to maintain delivery momentum.

Head of Design Engineering in London
OxfordQuantumCircuits
Location: London

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