Senior Quantum Engineer - Processor Research

At OQC, we aren’t just theorising about the future; we’re building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we’ve transitioned quantum computing from an academic ambition into a commercial reality - and we’re just getting started.

The Purpose

Advance the performance of OQC’s superconducting quantum processors by connecting quantum theory, simulation and experimental evidence.

As a Senior Quantum Engineer specialising in Processor Research, you’ll investigate the physics behind qubit behaviour, develop calibration and characterisation techniques, and improve single and two-qubit gate performance. Your work will help uncover error sources, validate physical models and establish the performance limitations of quantum hardware.

The Role

You’ll combine quantum modelling, scientific computing and experimental analysis to understand how quantum systems behave under realistic conditions. From Hamiltonian-based simulations to modelling decoherence, dissipation and noise, you’ll connect theoretical predictions with physical measurements to guide improvements in quantum control.

Working closely with hardware, control electronics and software teams, you’ll independently investigate technical challenges, develop hypotheses and implement solutions. You’ll also bring project leadership and scientific judgement to the team, influencing technical direction, contributing to experimental strategy and providing guidance and mentorship to other engineers.

Alongside investigating current performance challenges, you’ll contribute to longer-term research and development in quantum control, modelling and device characterisation.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Develop and optimise calibration and characterisation techniques for superconducting qubits, investigating and improving single- and two-qubit gate performance.
• Develop Hamiltonian-based simulations to understand quantum dynamics, driven interactions and time evolution under realistic experimental conditions.
• Model and analyse open quantum systems, incorporating decoherence, dissipation and noise mechanisms.
• Design experiments to identify error sources, validate physical models and establish hardware performance limitations, analysing measurements to connect observed behaviour with underlying physical processes.
• Collaborate with hardware, control electronics and software teams to develop robust quantum control solutions.
• Contribute to longer-term research and development initiatives in quantum control, modelling and device characterisation.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers, contributing to experimental strategy and influencing the team’s technical direction.

What We’re Looking For

• A PhD in Physics, Quantum Information, Quantum Technologies or a closely related field.
• A good understanding of quantum mechanics, including gate implementations, unitary operations and quantum circuit representations.
• Proficiency in Python and scientific computing tools such as NumPy, SciPy or QuTiP.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to connect theoretical predictions to physical measurements.
• Experience designing, performing or interpreting experiments involving quantum or coherent physical systems.
• The ability to independently investigate technical challenges, develop hypotheses and implement solutions.
• Clear technical communication and the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong project leadership skills and the ability to influence the technical direction of a team.

The ‘Nice-to-Haves’

• Additional experience in academic research or industry.
• Hands-on experience with superconducting qubits, circuit QED or other quantum computing platforms.
• An understanding of transmon physics, coupled quantum systems and microwave-driven quantum gates.
• Experience with noise modelling, gate calibration and benchmarking.
• Experience with microwave electronics, RF instrumentation, pulse shaping or experimental control systems.
• Knowledge of optimal control techniques or numerical pulse optimisation.

Why Join OQC

You will join a world-class team at the forefront of the next computational era. We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation.

This role brings together scientific investigation and technical influence: understanding the physics that limits processor performance, developing approaches to improve it and helping other engineers advance their work.

Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture on the OQC careers page.