Quantum Applications Engineer

Job Title: Quantum Applications Engineer

Salary: Band S1 £46,444 gross per annum

Contract Type: Up to 3x Permanent Positions

Hours: Full-Time or Part Time (minimum 0.6FTE)(We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity!

About NQCC:

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing.

Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry, and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum-ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing.

The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It sits alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and has a 10-year funding commitment as part of the National Quantum Strategy

About the Role:

As a Quantum Applications Engineer within the National Quantum Computing Centre’s Quantum Applications Team (QAT), you will develop innovative quantum computing solutions to real-world problems, translating emerging quantum computing technologies into practical applications across a range of sectors. Working at the intersection of enabling elements such as quantum algorithms, benchmarking, error correction and software tools, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and developers, with access to cutting-edge quantum computing platforms and testbeds.

Your work will contribute to the NQCC’s mission to accelerate the UK’s quantum readiness and unlock the potential of quantum computing. Through the development, evaluation, and demonstration of quantum-enabled solutions, you will help shape and influence the future adoption of quantum computing, advancing both the state-of-the-art and the UK’s broader quantum ambitions.

The role also offers significant opportunities to work within a rich and diverse ecosystem, spanning partners across government, industry, and academia. Through collaborative R&D activities and proof-of-concept projects, you will help organisations explore, evaluate, and demonstrate the potential of quantum computing for real-world challenges, accelerating the path from emerging research to impactful applications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsibilities and day-to-day activities of a successful candidate:
• Work collaboratively across the team to develop practical applications for quantum computing.
• Utilise and retailor quantum algorithms; build models and develop code; programme quantum computers using relevant Software Development Kits (SDKs) and programming environments.
• Work with colleagues and external stakeholders to identify suitable problem types and develop use-cases for quantum computing relevant to priority sectors, such as life sciences, healthcare, finance, energy and transport.
• Analyse quantum advantage for practical problems, using leading classical techniques that solve those problems as a benchmark.
• Become a skilled practitioner for agile and software engineering methodologies.
• Deliver technical work on collaborative projects with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Report on and communicate key findings and results, including the publication of non-confidential results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in meetings, conferences and workshops to disseminate results, informing and educating stakeholders about the team’s work.
• Upskill yourself and keep up with the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.
• Contribute to the delivery of the NQCC’s strategic objectives and the UK’s delivery of Quantum Mission 1.

Person Specification:

This role is suitable for motivated persons holding Masters-level qualifications or equivalent experience in quantum algorithms and applications development, physics or quantum technologies, who also have the aptitude and passion to upskill and expand their knowledge in the field. A Quantum Applications Engineer works well as part of a multidisciplinary team and showcases great aptitude in developing their technical, teamworking and communications skills. You will be proactive, self-motivated and able to work in a dynamic environment. You will be able to work/travel within the UK and overseas as and when required to attend international meetings with collaborators and/or events or conferences.

We offer significant development opportunities at the NQCC, but as a starting point you should be able to demonstrate some of the following;

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

• Educated to (at least) degree level (such as Masters level, or equivalent industry experience) in quantum computing or a closely a related field. (S)
• Experience with programming languages, such as Python (as a minimum). (S&I)
• Understanding of quantum algorithms and/or motivation and aptitude to learn and upskill in the area of quantum algorithms. (S&I)
• Experience of using programming languages and quantum software development kits (SDKs) to execute quantum circuits. (S&I)
• Good time management skills with experience in delivering timely pieces of work (such as a master’s project). (I)
• Good communication skills, self-motivated and with the ability to present and disseminate technical work and results. (S&I)
• Good team working and collaboration skills and a positive demeanour towards working in a multidisciplinary team. (I)

Employee Benefits:

We are offering this position with a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/

How to Apply:

Online applications only for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter that clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation to join STFC and the role you’re applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the file name description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered.

Security Vetting:

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they are appointed. The required security clearance needed is CTC.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the United Kingdom for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years as the role requiresCTC clearance. However, UK residency less than the outlined periods may not bar you from gaining National Security Vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed for further advice.

For further details you may also visit the following site: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/united-kingdom-security-vetting

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact [email protected]

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