Head of Systems Engineering

Head of Systems Engineering

Universal Quantum · Haywards Heath, United Kingdom (Hybrid) · Full-time · Posted 2026-09-28

Workplace: hybrid

Department: Technical

Description

At Universal Quantum, we are building the next generation of quantum computers - machines capable of solving problems once thought impossible. Our technology has the potential to transform industries from healthcare to aerospace, materials science, and beyond. As we scale from breakthrough R&D to global delivery, resilient execution becomes as critical as technical innovation.

We are looking for a Head of Systems Engineering who will be accountable for the definition, and implementation of complex quantum computing systems. The role leads multidisciplinary systems engineering across electronic, mechanical, cryogenic, vacuum, optical, software, and control domains, ensuring that product requirements are translated into coherent, testable, and deployable system solutions.

The position combines senior technical leadership, organisational development, and programme delivery. It owns system-level engineering rigour from concept through customer deployment, while building an effective, collaborative engineering organisation across UK and international locations.

What You'll Accomplish

• Systems engineering leadership: Define and implement the systems engineering strategy, lifecycle, standards, governance, and toolset, including requirements management, traceability, modelling, simulation, configuration control, and MBSE where appropriate.
• System definition and architecture: Lead system-level design and requirements decomposition, working with Product, Architecture, Quantum, Hardware, Software, and Control teams to establish clear interfaces, budgets, specifications, trade-offs, and acceptance criteria.
• Technical assurance: Establish and chair proportionate design, readiness, test, and acceptance reviews; ensure risks, non-conformances, failure investigations, and corrective actions are managed to closure.
• Programme delivery: Maintain system-level plans, dependencies, technical risks, and performance measures so programmes achieve agreed scope, schedule, cost, quality, and performance objectives.
• Team leadership: Build, lead, and mentor multidisciplinary systems engineering and integration teams; set objectives and KPIs, develop capability, support recruitment, and establish clear accountability.
• Cross-functional execution: Create effective working relationships across research, engineering, product, programme, quality, supply chain, and customer-facing teams, ensuring timely decisions and transparent communication.
• Integration, verification, and validation: Contribute to the definition of the verification and test strategy for integrated assembly and systems. 
• Quality, safety, and compliance: Ensure systems meet applicable reliability, safety, regulatory, contractual, and quality requirements, with evidence appropriate to each programme.
• Strategy and roadmap: Contribute to technical strategy and product roadmaps, identifying opportunities to improve system performance, modularity, manufacturability, serviceability, and scalability.

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you must have:

• Degree in Systems Engineering, Physics, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Significant experience leading systems engineering activities across complex multidisciplinary hardware and software products.
• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary engineering teams within a scaling organisation.
• Strong experience owning requirements, system architecture, interfaces, integration, verification, validation, and system acceptance.
• Deep understanding of systems engineering methodologies, lifecycle models, risk management, design reviews, configuration management, and requirements management tools.
• Proven ability to align global stakeholders across research, engineering, product, and programme functions.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong systems-thinking capability and experience making sound decisions in technically challenging and ambiguous environments.

It would also be desirable, if you have:

• Experience within quantum computing or another deep-technology environment.
• Experience in semiconductors, photonics, cryogenics, ultra-high vacuum systems, precision electronics, or control systems.
• Experience transitioning advanced technologies from R&D into commercial products, customer deployments, or production environments.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement listed in the job description. If you believe you could make a positive impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Benefits

Joining Universal Quantum means becoming part of a rapidly growing company at the forefront of one of the world's most exciting technologies. As we continue to scale, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of both our products and our organisation, taking on meaningful challenges with real impact. We offer an environment where talented people can grow their careers, broaden their expertise, and help solve some of the toughest engineering problems in the industry, all whilst working alongside world-class scientists and engineers.

• 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

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.

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