At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the software team to enhance quantum processors and streamline data acquisition.
- Company: Join a top-rated quantum computing scale-up in London, transforming technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, flexible working, and access to cutting-edge lab facilities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of quantum technology and collaborate with world-class scientists.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as a Product Owner or similar role; STEM degree preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Quantum Motion is a fast-growing quantum computing scale-up based in London. We are developing quantum processors based on industrial-grade silicon chips, with the potential to radically transform computing power in areas such as materials modelling, medicine, artificial intelligence and more.
We are looking for a pragmatic, organized Technical Product Owner to join the Intelligent Automation team. This team builds the mission critical software layer that allows our hardware experts and IC engineers to acquire data more efficiently, analyze experiments, and control quantum processors. This role acts as the interface between the software engineering team and the internal end-users of the products they develop. You will identify needs, work with the various stakeholders to specify solutions and translate these into clearly defined tickets for engineers to work through. You will take ownership of priorities and impact how quickly and effectively our quantum hardware advances as well as providing a clear line of communication for the product team. Please note that this is a hybrid role, typically requiring 60% on-site attendance at our Islington lab to collaborate directly with the hardware teams. This hands-on proximity to experimental work is key to the role.
Functions of the Role
- Backlog Curation: Own the team’s project board. You will ensure the backlog is balanced between short-term needs and long-term scalability, tickets are clearly defined, and the team always knows what to work on next.
- Requirements Gathering: Sit with internal end-users (researchers and hardware engineers) to understand their experimental needs and translate them into actionable technical user stories. You will develop deep domain context and become a trusted partner to world-class scientists.
- Triage & Protection: Act as the first line of defense for the software team. You will triage incoming bug reports and feature requests, protecting engineers’ focus while ensuring critical lab workflows are never blocked.
- Process Facilitation: Run light-touch Agile processes (planning, stand-ups, retrospectives) focused on efficiency and unblocking developers rather than rigid adherence to rules. You’ll help shape processes that actually work in a research-led environment.
- Release Management: Coordinate with the team to ensure software updates are deployed smoothly to the lab environments without disrupting critical experiments. Reliability here directly affects experimental velocity and research outcomes.
Experience - Essentials
- Top-tier education, minimum 2.1 in a STEM discipline or relevant experience.
- 2+ years of experience as a Product Owner, Technical Project Manager, or Business Analyst within a software team.
- Strong project management skills: You know how to configure workflows to suit a specific team’s style.
- Technical Fluency: You do not need to be a developer, but you must be comfortable discussing software concepts (APIs, Python libraries, Git workflows) and understanding the software development lifecycle.
- Stakeholder Management: Experience working with technical end-users, including managing different priorities and styles.
- Excellent written communication skills for creating clear ticket descriptions and documentation.
Experience - Desirable
- Experience working in a Hardware/Software environment (Robotics, IoT, Semiconductors, or Scientific Instrumentation).
- Ability to read/understand Python code and familiarity.
- Previous experience in a startup or scale-up environment where roles are fluid and autonomy is high; background in science or physics.
Benefits
- Be part of a creative, world-leading team
- Competitive salary and share options scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Choose your own laptop/kit
- Life Assurance
- Cycle-to-work Scheme
- Flexible working. Central London location with hands-on access to cutting-edge lab facilities.
EEO Statement
Quantum Motion is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate based on age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, colour, religion, disability status, marital status, pregnancy, gender reassignment, religion or any other protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010.
Technical Product Owner (Intelligent Automation) employer: Quantum Motion
Contact Detail:
Quantum Motion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Product Owner (Intelligent Automation)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the quantum computing field. Attend meetups, webinars, or industry events to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at Quantum Motion.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can chat confidently about software concepts and how they relate to hardware. This will show you're not just a paper candidate but someone who understands the role inside out.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed workflows and priorities in past roles. This is key for a Technical Product Owner, so let us see your organisational prowess!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our innovative team at Quantum Motion.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Product Owner (Intelligent Automation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Technical Product Owner role. Highlight your project management experience and any technical fluency you have, especially in software concepts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about quantum computing and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be specific about your experience with stakeholders and managing priorities.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the job description.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Quantum Motion
✨Know Your Tech
As a Technical Product Owner, you’ll need to be comfortable discussing software concepts. Brush up on your knowledge of APIs, Python libraries, and Git workflows. This will help you communicate effectively with the engineering team and show that you understand their world.
✨Understand the Users
Take time to research the internal end-users you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with their experimental needs and how they interact with the software. This will not only help you gather requirements better but also position you as a trusted partner in their work.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with project management. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully configured workflows or managed priorities in a software team. This will demonstrate your ability to balance short-term needs with long-term goals.
✨Prepare for Agile Discussions
Since the role involves running light-touch Agile processes, be prepared to talk about your experience with Agile methodologies. Think of ways you’ve facilitated planning sessions or retrospectives that focused on efficiency rather than strict rules. This will show your adaptability in a research-led environment.