Head of Photonic Systems

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Cambridge, UK

Application closing date: Friday 13th June 2025 at 5pm

Visa Sponsorship available

Salary from £80,000 per year DOE

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We're creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what's possible.

Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems.

We're working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world-leading companies and academic groups.

As Head of Photonic Systems, your role will be pivotal in driving forward our breakthrough innovations and helping to redefine the future of quantum computing.

The Role

Nu Quantum is seeking a skilled Head of Photonic Systems to join our diverse team, driving the development of innovative and scalable quantum networking hardware. 

In this role, you will lead and support an engineering group, composed of Optics, Photonics, Nanofabrication and Mechanical Engineers (currently circa 20 people but with high likelihood of growth). You will also serve as a key technical authority for photonics systems developed by Nu Quantum, contributing directly to our technical strategy and roadmap. 

A significant aspect of this role is team leadership and support, ensuring the success and growth of the engineering teams both technically and holistically. You will play an important role in shaping and fostering our company culture, embodying and promoting our core values.

You bring experience in all phases of project delivery. In particular you thrive in an environment where you will be both a leader and directly involved from design and modelling, all the way to implementation and characterisation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, coordinate and inspire the technical activities of the optics, photonics, nanofabrication and mechanical teams.
• Close collaboration with the other Department Heads, Architects, Product and Technical Executive leadership to create and deliver technical roadmap.
• Take responsibility for planning, budgeting and resource allocation across all stages of project delivery and the product development process.
• Collaborate closely with the PMO team, acting as the technical authority for photonic systems deliverables in Nu Quantum's technology development programmes.
• Own and continuously improve engineering development processes and tools as Nu Quantum grows.
• Responsible for championing high-quality technical documentation.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, mentoring, and professional development to Engineers at every level.
• Collaborate with the senior management team to ensure alignment in culture, roadmap, and technical goals across the Engineering and Research teams.

Your skills, qualifications and experience:

• An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a technical subject (e.g. physics, engineering, or a related discipline).
• Proven track record of industry experience leading optics and photonics teams.
• Proven experience in product and project delivery within industry and/or academia.
• Expert in photonics and optics; with specific experience in several of the following:
• Design, manufacture, packaging and testing of Photonic Integrated Circuits
• High performance photonics systems
• Quantum Optics
• Cavity quantum electrodynamics 
• AMO Physics
• Experience utilising test-driven development processes; in particular within prototyping and R&D projects.
• Excellent team player and natural problem solver with a ‘can do' attitude.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organisation (from associate-level employees to C-suite).

Desirable skills and experience (not required, but beneficial):

• Experience within the Quantum Industry.
• Familiarity with microfabrication techniques, test and validation processes.
• Experience with cryogenic and UHV systems.
• Experience with Process and Workflow Management tools for hardware and software development.

Why work with us?

At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.

Benefits

• Flexible working options

• Group DIS cover (4 x salary)
• 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• On-site gym membership
• Cycle scheme 
• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office.
• 28 days annual leave, including a 3-day company shutdown period + UK Public Holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Enhanced paid family leave policies 
• Time for Charity work
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens