Universal Quantum

Quantum computing via trapped ion systems

Optical Engineer

Hardware Systems IntegrationConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeHaywards Heath, UKIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

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.
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-optic 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.

Responsibilities

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 team of Electronics Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Physicists and Quantum Engineers.

Desired Qualifications

Experience transferring optical systems from prototype build into robust operational or manufacturing environments.

Optical Engineer

Universal Quantum · Haywards Heath, United Kingdom · Full-time · Posted 2026-09-01

Workplace: on_site

Department: Technical

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!

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.

Requirements

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-optic 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.

Please 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.

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

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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About the Company

Universal Quantum

Quantum computing via trapped ion systems

Universal Quantum develops practical, large-scale quantum computers using trapped ion technology for research institutions, tech firms, and government agencies. Its systems control trapped ions with electronic quantum gates and silicon microchip modules to perform scalable quantum operations. The company differentiates itself through a focus on real-world, scalable quantum solutions, an interdisciplinary team, and a licensing/collaboration business model. Its goal is to become a leading source of advanced quantum computing capabilities and attract top talent across diverse customer sectors.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Series A
Total funding: $112.5M
Headquarters: Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
Founded: 2018

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