Neutral Atom Systems Architect for Distributed Quantum Computing at Nu Quantum, Cambridge (UK)
Job Description
Nu Quantum is seeking a Neutral Atom Systems Architect to lead the specification and architecture of a quantum networking layer for distributed quantum computing with neutral atoms. Working with AMO theorists, the networking team, quantum error correction researchers and systems engineers, you will define how Nu Quantum’s hardware connects to neutral-atom quantum processors, from modelling high-fidelity networking protocols to setting the hardware performance targets needed for fault-tolerant distributed computing.
At a glance
- Role: Neutral Atom Systems Architect
- Location: Cambridge, UK (on site)
- Degree: Postgraduate qualification (PhD preferred) in physics
- Focus: Network system architecture for neutral-atom quantum processors
- Posted: 17 July 2026
- Apply: open until filled (re-checked 14 October 2026)
What you will do
- Own the network system architecture and all system and subsystem specifications (QPI, QNU, cavity systems) for neutral atoms
- Be the company’s go-to expert on neutral-atom hardware: qubit control, optical systems, gate optimisation and system performance
- Model remote-entanglement generation and networking protocols under realistic constraints with AMO theorists
- Define requirements for distributed fault-tolerant computing with the quantum error correction team
- Work with product managers on specifications and competing networking approaches, and with engineering on concepts of operation
- Help identify skill gaps, coordinate project scoping and budgets, and represent the company at conferences
What Nu Quantum is looking for
- A postgraduate qualification in physics (PhD preferred) with applications to neutral-atom quantum computing
- Deep expertise in neutral-atom QPUs, laser physics and optical engineering (optical trapping, beam delivery, laser stabilisation)
- Expertise in high-fidelity neutral-atom gates, including Rydberg entangling gates and their error mechanisms
- Strong quantum control, calibration and system optimisation across hardware and software
- Open-quantum-system modelling (QuTiP, Mathematica, MATLAB or Python)
- Experience leading technical projects, with responsibility for delivery, architecture and budgets, plus strong communication
Nice to have
- Knowledge of photonic interfaces between neutral atoms and quantum networks
- Understanding of distributed quantum computing architectures and networking protocols
- Knowledge of error correction and fault tolerance
- Industry experience
Pay and location
Nu Quantum’s posting does not state a salary; benefits are listed in the posting.
How to apply
Apply through the official Nu Quantum job posting. Nu Quantum’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 14 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.
See all our quantum technology jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Nu Quantum
Official advertisement: apply.workable.com
How to prepare for this application
- Prepare an architecture sketch for linking two neutral-atom processors with photons, including your performance targets.
- Review Rydberg-gate error budgets and how photonic links affect error correction.
- Show a technical project you led from specification to delivery.
- Bring open-system modelling you did (QuTiP or similar).
About Nu Quantum
Nu Quantum is a Cambridge, UK, quantum networking company founded to commercialise a decade of research from the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory. It builds quantum photonic hardware, including qubit–photon interfaces (QPI), quantum networking units (QNU) and cavity systems, to link quantum computers into scalable networks, and runs trapped-ion and neutral-atom testbeds to prove it.
