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Senior Quantum Engineer
Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC)Reading, England, United Kingdom
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£41,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 5242 is an eligible occupation, but we classified this role with low confidence (42% match). If the code is right — and Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) is a licensed sponsor — it should qualify, but double-check the occupation eligibility rules against the actual role.
About the role
At OQC, we aren't just theorising about the future; we're building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we've successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic ambition into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we're just getting started.
The Purpose
Lead scientific research that advances OQC's quantum processors, superconducting circuit technology and supporting infrastructure.
As a Senior Quantum Engineer, you'll own complex research projects across their full lifecycle—from defining scientific priorities and designing experiments through to implementation, data analysis and the communication of clear findings and recommendations. Your work will directly influence OQC's technology roadmap and the performance of future quantum processing units.
The Role
You'll be a senior member of our Quantum Science & Exploratory Research team, combining hands-on experimental research with scientific leadership, project ownership and technical mentoring.
Working across superconducting quantum circuits, processor characterisation, calibration, benchmarking and cryogenic measurement systems, you'll investigate the limitations of existing technologies and explore new approaches to qubit design, packaging and quantum-processing infrastructure.
You'll also help shape the QSER roadmap, coordinate the resources required to deliver experimental programmes and support the development of Quantum Engineers across the team.
What You'll Be Working On
The Purpose
Lead scientific research that advances OQC's quantum processors, superconducting circuit technology and supporting infrastructure.
As a Senior Quantum Engineer, you'll own complex research projects across their full lifecycle—from defining scientific priorities and designing experiments through to implementation, data analysis and the communication of clear findings and recommendations. Your work will directly influence OQC's technology roadmap and the performance of future quantum processing units.
The Role
You'll be a senior member of our Quantum Science & Exploratory Research team, combining hands-on experimental research with scientific leadership, project ownership and technical mentoring.
Working across superconducting quantum circuits, processor characterisation, calibration, benchmarking and cryogenic measurement systems, you'll investigate the limitations of existing technologies and explore new approaches to qubit design, packaging and quantum-processing infrastructure.
You'll also help shape the QSER roadmap, coordinate the resources required to deliver experimental programmes and support the development of Quantum Engineers across the team.
What You'll Be Working On
- Lead complex scientific research projects from initial concept and experimental design through to implementation, analysis, reporting and technical recommendations.
- Design, simulate and characterise novel superconducting components for quantum processing and its supporting infrastructure.
- Measure, calibrate and benchmark superconducting quantum circuits, developing meaningful performance metrics and investigating QPU design or processor limitations.
- A degree in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering or another relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience owning research projects involving the measurement, characterisation or operation of quantum systems.
- Hands-on experience running experimental quantum-computing measurements, benchmarking processes or operational methods within an academic or industrial environment.
- Experience creating or running simulations of the quantum or radio-frequency properties of superconducting circuits.
- Strong scientific programming skills, particularly Python or a comparable language, for experimental automation and data analysis.
- The ability to analyse complex datasets, identify meaningful patterns and use evidence to support technical decisions.
- Strong project leadership or project-management skills, including the ability to balance scientific objectives, resources, timelines and budget implications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex scientific information for different technical audiences.
- A creative and innovative approach to scientific problem-solving, combined with the confidence to influence technical direction.
- A PhD in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering or a closely related field.
- Experience using or developing microwave-frequency control hardware for superconducting quantum systems.
- Scientific publication experience, particularly within superconducting circuits, quantum measurement or related areas.
- Experience presenting research findings at conferences, technical reviews or collaborative research forums.
- Hands-on experience preparing, handling and installing samples within cryogenic enclosures.
- Knowledge of the specification, installation and maintenance of RF or DC wiring.
- Experience operating and maintaining cryogenic refrigeration and vacuum systems.
- Experience developing remote-operation or automation methods for low-noise measurements.
- Strong planning, organisational and scientific judgement skills.
You'll join a multidisciplinary team working at the forefront of superconducting quantum computing, with the opportunity to take genuine ownership of research that informs both near-term engineering decisions and OQC's longer-term technology direction.
This is an opportunity to combine deep scientific work with visible technical leadership—investigating novel quantum technologies, working directly with advanced cryogenic and measurement infrastructure, and helping develop the people and research capabilities that will support OQC's next generation of quantum processors.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 5242 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~24k in sampleP25 £35kP75 £47k
£29kmedian £40kgoing rate £42k£47k
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Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 5242 going rate of £41,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.