At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a team in developing groundbreaking quantum computing systems through optical engineering.
- Company: Join Universal Quantum, a leader in innovative computing technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible holidays, and generous personal development budget.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of computing and solve previously impossible problems.
- Qualifications: Degree in Optical Engineering or related field with 10 years of hands-on experience.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
At Universal Quantum, we aim to make the world a better place by engineering the future of computing.
Together, we are creating truly impactful quantum computers.
Our machines will be capable of solving problems until now considered impossible, with applications ranging across a broad range of industries including healthcare, materials and aerospace.
We are looking to hire an Optical Engineer to join our Hardware Engineering Group and help drive our innovative development work forward.
What You'll Accomplish
Provide optical engineering support to a team of scientists and engineers developing commercial quantum computing systems.
Design, specify, assemble, align, troubleshoot, and characterize optical and laser subsystems for trapped-ion experiments.
Integrate complex, high-precision optical, fibre-optic, and opto-mechanical sub-assemblies into higher-level systems and maintain them for reliable operation.
Develop optical test methods, collect and analyze performance data, and use results to improve subsystem robustness, alignment stability, throughput, and key optical performance parameters.
Support electro-optical controls, beam delivery, laser alignment, and optical diagnostic systems to enable robust operation of quantum computers.
Work with a multidisciplinary and experienced team of Electronics Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Physicists and Quantum Engineers.
The most critical attributes we'll use to compare candidates
- Around 10 years of relevant hands-on optical engineering experience, including design, build, alignment, test and troubleshooting of complex optical systems.
- Strong working knowledge of optical principles including geometrical optics, Gaussian beams, polarization, diffraction, interference, optical coatings, beam shaping and stray-light control.
- Experience operating, stabilizing, and characterizing laser systems, fibre-coupled beam delivery, optical cavities, or equivalent precision optical assemblies.
- Experience using opto-electronic devices, optical instrumentation, control systems, and laboratory test equipment to diagnose and improve system performance.
- Ability to work with design, modelling, analysis, or automation tools such as Zemax/Optic Studio, Code V, Light Tools, Trace Pro, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent engineering software.
Must-have Skills
- A degree or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
- Around 10 years of relevant optical engineering experience in R&D, product development, precision instrumentation, photonics, lasers, imaging, semiconductor equipment, quantum technologies, or a similar high-precision technical environment.
- Demonstrated experience with free-space optical alignment, fibre-optic components, beam delivery, optical mounts, lenses, mirrors, filters, waveplates, polarizers and opto-mechanical assemblies.
- Hands-on experience using and maintaining laser systems and electro-optical laboratory equipment such as beam profilers, wavemeters, interferometers, power meters, photodetectors, electro-optical modulators, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.
- Ability to define optical requirements, create test plans, document results, perform root-cause analysis and communicate technical findings clearly to multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative engineering environment.
Nice-to-have
- Experience transferring optical systems from prototype build into robust operational or manufacturing environments.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Meaningful equity participation
- Flexible holiday allowance (28 days minimum)
- Flexible working
- 10% matching pension
- Generous parental support policy
- Private health / dental insurance & group life insurance
- £2,000 annual personal development budget
- Relocation support
- Diversity and inclusion
We are committed to nurturing diversity and inclusion.
At Universal Quantum, we're passionate about working with and for all kinds of minds.
We are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, and we hold ourselves accountable through continuous improvement, transparency, and the way we design our hiring and working practices.
We welcome team members from all backgrounds and actively work to ensure everyone can flourish.
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Optical Engineer employer: Universal Quantum
At Universal Quantum, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to engineering the future of computing through quantum technologies. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, providing employees with meaningful growth opportunities and a competitive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and generous personal development budgets. Join us in making a real impact across various industries while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and encourages every team member to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optical Engineer
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Optical Engineer role you’re after at Universal Quantum.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Universal Quantum a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Universal Quantum.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Optical Engineer at Universal Quantum, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Optical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Optical Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Universal Quantum a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Universal Quantum specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Quantum
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Universal Quantum, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Universal Quantum want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
