{"id":193577,"url":"https://alion.io/job/universal-quantum-optical-engineer","title":"Optical Engineer","company":{"id":51526,"name":"Universal Quantum","domain":"universalquantum.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/universal-quantum","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workable","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":89,"open_postings":9,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.222,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":99,"computed_at":"2026-11-03T05:54:40Z"}},"role":"Semiconductors","role_family":"Semiconductors","seniority":null,"employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Haywards Heath, United Kingdom"],"countries":["GB"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":56000,"max_usd":156000,"period":"year","method":null,"sample_n":315},"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"MATLAB","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-01T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-01","last_verified_at":"2026-11-02T23:57:58Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":63,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":63},"description":"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. Passionate about helping create technologies which can change the world? We may be the right place for you so get in touch!\nWhat You’ll Accomplish\nProvide optical engineering support to a team of scientists and engineers developing commercial quantum computing systems. \nDesign, specify, assemble, align, troubleshoot, and characterize optical and laser subsystems for trapped-ion experiments. \nIntegrate complex, high-precision optical, fibre-optic, and opto-mechanical sub-assemblies into higher-level systems and maintain them for reliable operation. \nDevelop optical test methods, collect and analyze performance data, and use results to improve subsystem robustness, alignment stability, throughput, and key optical performance parameters. \nSupport electro-optical controls, beam delivery, laser alignment, and optical diagnostic systems to enable robust operation of quantum computers. \nWork with a multidisciplinary and experienced team of Electronics Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Physicists and Quantum Engineers. \nRequirements\nThe most critical attributes we’ll use to compare candidates:\nAround 10 years of relevant hands-on optical engineering experience, including design, build, alignment, test and troubleshooting of complex optical systems. \nStrong working knowledge of optical principles including geometrical optics, Gaussian beams, polarization, diffraction, interference, optical coatings, beam shaping and stray-light control. \nExperience operating, stabilizing, and characterizing laser systems, fibre-coupled beam delivery, optical cavities, or equivalent precision optical assemblies. \nExperience using opto-electronic devices, optical instrumentation, control systems, and laboratory test equipment to diagnose and improve system performance. \nAbility to work with design, modelling, analysis, or automation tools such as Zemax/OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, TracePro, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent engineering software. \nMust-have Skills:\nA degree or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline. \nAround 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. \nDemonstrated experience with free-space optical alignment, fibre-optic components, beam delivery, optical mounts, lenses, mirrors, filters, waveplates, polarizers and opto-mechanical assemblies. \nHands-on experience using and maintaining laser systems and electro-optical laboratory equipment such as beam profilers, wavemeters, interferometers, power meters, photodetectors, electro-optic modulators, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers. \nAbility to define optical requirements, create test plans, document results, perform root-cause analysis and communicate technical findings clearly to multidisciplinary teams. \nExcellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative engineering environment. \nNice-to-have:\nExperience transferring optical systems from prototype build into robust operational or manufacturing environments. \nPlease feel encouraged to apply even if you don't match all the requirements of our job description. We would love to receive your application even if you think you're only a partial match.\nBenefits\nCompetitive salary \nMeaningful equity participation \nFlexible holiday allowance (28 days minimum) \nFlexible working \n10% matching pension \nGenerous parental support policy \nPrivate health / dental insurance & group life insurance \n£2,000 annual personal development budget \nRelocation support \nWe 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. 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