Optics Engineer

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location:Cambridge, UK

Closing date for applications: Friday 14th November 2025 at 5pm

Visa Sponsorship available

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We're creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what's possible.

Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems.

We're working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world-leading companies and academic groups.

About the role

We're seeking a hands-on experimental Physicist to join our Quantum Networking Unit (QNU) tech stream— the Nu Quantum–designed system that forms the heart of our technology. In this role, you'll take ownership of quantum measurement and system automation, with a particular focus on Hong–Ou–Mandel interferometry and advanced benchmarking measurements.

You'll work at the cutting edge where science meets engineering, helping to turn foundational quantum principles into real, deployable technology. This is a deeply collaborative, fast-moving environment — you'll partner with experts in electronics, FPGA control, mechanical engineering, and software to design, build, and optimise high-performance experimental systems.

We're looking for a system-level thinker who thrives on solving complex, cross-disciplinary challenges — someone who can prototype quickly, automate intelligently and push hardware to its limits. If you have a growth mindset, with a passion for making quantum technology real, we want you on the team.

What You'll be doing

• Perform optical measurements, and quantum benchmarking of our quantum networking unit (QNU).
• Contribute to cross-functional problem-solving, deliver 'Software stories' and use cases that specify to our classical engineering teams automation use cases for quantum networking.
• Scripting using Python and system automation using ARTIQ.
• Gather experimental results, perform data analysis, draw conclusions from findings and ensure clear, consistent documentation and maintenance of data and results for reproducibility and collaboration.
• Effective communication of complex technical information and results through report writing and presentations to internal and external stakeholders, both technical and non-technical.
• Working closely with complementary engineering disciplines including electronics, mechanical, and software to devise and execute test plans and development plans.

Your skills, qualifications and experience

• PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field, or MSc with equivalent industrial experience.

• Hands-on experience with quantum-optical measurements and time-resolved measurements at the single photon level.

• Understanding of Hong–Ou–Mandel interference.
• Experience with designing and troubleshooting fibre-optic systems.
• Experience interfacing with lab sub-systems equipment, such as power meters, oscilloscopes, power supplies by writing drivers, gateware or using APIs.
• Experience with stabilisation and feedback loops.
• Experience with data analysis using Python, Matlab or similar.
• Good data management and record-keeping ability to facilitate collaborative workflow.
• Experience with solving multi-disciplinary technical problems.
• Excellent team player.
• Proactive and natural problem solver with a 'can do' attitude.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).

Desirable (nice to have but not required)

Industry or postgraduate experience in two or more of the following areas:

• Experience of using GitHub.
• Experience with correlation measurements and state tomography.
• Experience with photonics integrated circuits (PICs).
• Hands-on experience with semiconductor lasers, for example, butterfly packaged FP lasers, DFB lasers, etc.
• Hands-on experience with optical modulators and sideband generation.

Why work with us?

At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.

Benefits

• Flexible working options

• Group DIS cover (4 x salary)

• 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• On-site gym membership
• Cycle scheme
• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office.
• 28 days annual leave, including a 3-day company shutdown period + UK Public Holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Enhanced paid family leave policies
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens