Control Systems Product Owner 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 dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started.

The Mission

As our Control Systems Product Owner, you will define and translate quantum computing application requirements into world‑class control systems hardware that powers the next generation of quantum computers. Working at the intersection of physics, systems engineering, and hardware development, you will ensure alignment across teams while shaping the architecture, performance, and delivery of critical control systems technology.

The Role

You will act as the technical bridge between Science & Innovation, Advanced Product Development, and engineering teams, owning the definition, evolution, and validation of Control Systems requirements. This role combines systems thinking, technical leadership, and product ownership to ensure our hardware platforms meet the demanding requirements of quantum computing applications.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Defining and maintaining Control Systems product and system requirements aligned to quantum computing application needs and performance objectives.
• Translating quantum computing and product requirements into detailed hardware and subsystem specifications.
• Driving the evolution of Control Systems architecture, including subsystem decomposition, interface definition, and integration strategies.
• Defining performance specifications across timing resolution, latency, bandwidth, signal integrity, and signal‑to‑noise ratio (SNR).
• Acting as the technical interface between Control Systems, Science & Innovation, Advanced Product Development, and wider engineering teams.
• Owning system documentation, ensuring full traceability between requirements, technical specifications, and implementation activities.
• Defining verification, validation, and acceptance strategies while supporting integration and testing activities to ensure successful delivery.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree (or higher) in Physics, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience working within quantum computing, advanced electronics, or other complex technical systems environments.
• Strong systems engineering and requirements management expertise.
• Experience defining technical specifications and system‑level requirements.
• Knowledge of Control Systems architecture and hardware/software interface definition.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross‑functional communication skills.
• Experience supporting verification, validation, testing, and integration activities.
• Strong technical problem‑solving, planning, and organisational skills.
• Ability to communicate technical trade‑offs and influence stakeholders across engineering and scientific teams.

The ‘Nice‑to‑Has’

• Experience with superconducting quantum computing systems or QPU technologies.
• Experience defining complex system architectures and technical interfaces.
• Background in control systems, RF electronics, or high‑performance hardware platforms.
• Experience contributing to technical roadmaps or product definition activities.
• Technical leadership, mentoring, or coaching experience.
• Postgraduate qualification in quantum computing, systems engineering, physics, or a related discipline.
• Systems engineering or requirements management certifications and training.
• Knowledge of product lifecycle management and risk analysis methodologies.

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.

Interviews will commence from the 18th June.