Optical Engineer

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/OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, TracePro, 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.