Senior Applications Engineer in Lancaster

Quantum Base is a pioneering deep-tech spin-out from Lancaster University, and we have invented Q-ID, a world-leading, anti-counterfeit technology solution for brand protection and security printing. Q-IDs cannot be counterfeited or photocopied, can be applied to virtually any physical product, and can be instantly authenticated using any standard smartphone. With 11 years of deep R&D backing us, our mission is to create a new global standard in security. Our largest client is a prestigious security printer utilizing Q-IDs for a major government tax stamp programme.

The Senior Applications Engineer Role:

As our first external hire into the Customer Implementation Function, this is a unique opportunity to take true ownership and shape how we scale. We are seeking a senior, hands-on engineer to accelerate the rollout of our technology in real-world customer environments, guiding clients from initial technical conversations, through live trials, and into paying production. Our technology sits at the fascinating intersection of mobile, cloud, manufacturing, machine vision, and materials science. You will be highly comfortable working at the boundary of the physical and digital worlds, confident in solving unprecedented problems, and keen to leverage automation and AI to build scalable, repeatable playbooks.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Applications Engineer:

• Partner with the commercial team as the senior technical voice, setting realistic expectations regarding risks, dependencies, and timelines.
• Lead customer trials from inception to completion, integrating our technology seamlessly into client systems and operational workflows.
• Spend time on-site during live production tests, rapidly diagnosing and resolving issues across hardware, software, and manufacturing points.
• Build repeatable tools, processes, and playbooks to allow multiple, parallel customer implementations to run concurrently.
• Train customer teams to ensure they are production-ready, and feed field-tested insights back into our internal Platform and Materials teams.

Skills and Experience:

• Experience in applications, field, or implementation engineering, with sharp troubleshooting instincts during live trials, commissioning, or production ramp-ups.
• Strong experience implementing solutions that combine physical hardware with software workflows (e.g., mobile SDKs, cloud APIs).
• Prior experience in a startup or scale-up environment, demonstrating practical judgment amidst ambiguity and a track record of optimizing delivery processes.
• Exceptional communication skills, confident engaging with engineering, operations, and IT stakeholders. Comfort utilizing AI tools for speed and process execution is highly valued.
• Ability to work from our Lancaster office 3-4 days a week (during active programmes) and a willingness to travel regularly to UK and international customer sites.
• Experience with machine vision systems, production/print lines, or Quality Control (QC) systems.
• Experience within the security printing, anti-counterfeit, or brand protection industries.

What's on Offer?

• £60k - £70k base salary + annual performance bonus + participation in the company share scheme.
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working model and flexible working hours.
• A comprehensive relocation package is available if you are looking to move closer to Lancaster.
• Pension scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, and a continually evolving benefits package.

How to Apply

If you are a senior engineer who thrives on being close to the real problem, loves working directly with customers, and enjoys making complex systems work in live production, we want to hear from you. Apply today to shape the future of global brand security.