At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of quantum computing by designing and refining trapped-ion systems.
- Company: Join Oxford Ionics, part of IonQ, leading the quantum revolution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a cutting-edge field with a world-class team.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and 3+ years in quantum computing required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, is pioneering the next generation of quantum computing. Using our world-leading trapped-ion technology, we're building the most powerful, accurate and reliable quantum systems to tackle problems that today's supercomputers cannot solve.
Joining Oxford Ionics means becoming part of a global IonQ team that is transforming the future of quantum technology – faster, at scale, and with real world impact.
What to expect:
This is a hands-on Systems Architect role focused on shaping the next generation of trapped-ion quantum computers built around electronic qubit control. You'll sit at the centre of science and engineering, working across disciplines in a rapid feedback environment where architectural decisions are continuously refined as data comes in.
The Systems Architecture team drives longer-term technical direction, translates system goals into actionable engineering requirements, and closes the loop between what we learn in build/test and the next iteration of the architecture. In this role you will help ensure the overall system design remains coherent, scalable, and grounded in practical engineering constraints as programmes evolve.
Responsibilities
- Own system-level architecture work: define requirements, interfaces, and integration assumptions across the stack.
- Translate system goals into clear engineering specifications and work packages for domain teams (e.g., electronics, controls/software, experimental hardware).
- Make and document trade-off decisions between subsystems (performance, reliability, scalability), supported by evidence and analysis.
- Partner closely with engineering and science teams through design, manufacture, operation, and characterisation of new systems; updating architectural plans in response to experimental findings.
- Communicate complex technical decisions clearly to varied technical audiences, enabling fast alignment and scalable execution.
Requirements
- You will bring strong system-level judgement, deep technical credibility in quantum hardware, and the ability to turn complex, ambiguous problems into clear architectural decisions that move programmes forward.
- You should be comfortable operating across disciplines, working directly with experimental data, and balancing depth with speed as systems evolve.
- PhD in Physics, EE, Computer Science, or a closely related field, with 3+ years academic or industrial experience in quantum computing.
- Broad understanding across the quantum stack, with deep familiarity with how quantum hardware works in practice.
- Hands-on experience contributing to the design, operation, or experimental characterisation of quantum hardware.
- Strong analytical and scientific computing skills, with the ability to back architectural decisions with evidence.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, able to explain complex system trade-offs to varied technical audiences.
Benefits
Be part of a team that's shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role, you'll join a world-class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing.
We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family, and much more.
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Senior Quantum Systems Architect in Oxford employer: The American Physical Society
At Oxford Ionics, now part of IonQ, we are at the forefront of quantum computing innovation, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration among top scientists and engineers. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through competitive salaries, stock options, and comprehensive benefits, including flexible working arrangements and private medical insurance. Join us in shaping the future of technology while enjoying a culture that values diversity and encourages continuous learning.
Contact Detail:
The American Physical Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantum Systems Architect in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the quantum computing field, especially those at Oxford Ionics or IonQ. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects related to quantum systems. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical credibility in a tangible way.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your communication skills. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to convey your architectural decisions clearly to diverse audiences during the interview process.
✨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 joining our team at Oxford Ionics.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantum Systems Architect in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Quantum Systems Architect role. Highlight your experience in quantum computing and how it aligns with our mission at Oxford Ionics. We want to see how your skills can contribute to shaping the future of quantum technology!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on detailing your technical expertise! We’re looking for strong system-level judgement and deep technical credibility in quantum hardware. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your hands-on experience and analytical skills.
Communicate Clearly:Remember, clear communication is key! When writing your application, aim to explain complex concepts simply. We need to see that you can convey intricate technical decisions to varied audiences, so make your writing accessible and engaging.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about our team and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The American Physical Society
✨Know Your Quantum Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your quantum computing knowledge, especially around trapped-ion technology. Be ready to discuss how it works in practice and share any hands-on experience you've had with quantum hardware.
✨Show Your System-Level Thinking
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to translate complex system goals into actionable engineering specifications. Think of examples where you've made trade-off decisions between subsystems and be ready to explain your reasoning clearly.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences, so think about how you can make your points clear and engaging.
✨Be Ready for Rapid Feedback
This role involves working in a fast-paced environment where architectural decisions are continuously refined. Prepare to discuss how you've adapted to feedback in past projects and how you approach iterative design processes.
