Principal Optics Engineer (Group Lead) for Quantum Networking Testbeds at Nu Quantum, Cambridge (UK)

Job Description

Nu Quantum is hiring an experienced Optics Group Lead with a strong background in quantum optics and precision optical systems. You will lead the development of the optical systems behind the company’s qubit–photon interfaces (QPI) and quantum networking testbeds, guiding the design, build, optimisation, automation and characterisation of complex optical experiments. The role is both hands-on and managerial: you set technical direction for the optics team, mentor its members and raise the repeatability of experiments, working alongside nanofabrication, electronics, mechanical, software and AMO physics colleagues.

At a glance

• Role: Principal Optics Engineer (Group Lead)
• Location: Cambridge, UK (on site)
• Contract: Full time, permanent; visa sponsorship available
• Degree: PhD or equivalent industry experience in quantum optics, photonics, AMO physics or optical engineering
• Posted: 20 July 2026
• Apply: open until filled (re-checked 14 October 2026)

What you will do

• Lead the Testbed Optics group and set direction for optical experiments and system builds across classical and quantum optics platforms
• Own optical system architecture: free-space and fibre optics, lasers, interferometry, alignment, stability, noise reduction and system performance
• Make technical decisions so designs and experiments are robust, reproducible and fit for long-term system development
• Mentor and develop optics team members and review their experimental plans
• Set best practice for optical design, alignment, automation, documentation and data analysis
• Review results, identify technical risks and communicate clearly in design reviews and reports

What Nu Quantum is looking for

• A PhD or equivalent industrial experience in quantum optics, experimental photonics, AMO physics, optical engineering or a close field
• Proven technical leadership in optics: setting direction, reviewing designs and guiding others through hard optical problems
• The ability to go from optical simulation to lab implementation and optimisation, including integration with mechanics, electronics and control software
• Working knowledge of atomic and quantum physics to understand system requirements
• Experience mentoring or supervising engineers, scientists or PhD students, and excellent communication in a multidisciplinary team

Nice to have

• Adaptive optics, Fourier optics, beam steering and pointing stabilisation
• Low-noise optical measurement, laser stabilisation and Pound–Drever–Hall locking
• Optical modelling (e.g. Zemax, Gaussian beams, fibre coupling), frequency combs, ARTIQ, or ion-trap and neutral-atom experience

Pay and location

Nu Quantum’s posting does not state a salary. Its listed benefits include flexible working, 28 days’ annual leave (including a 3-day company shutdown) plus UK bank holidays, private medical and dental cover, an on-site gym, a cycle scheme and enhanced paid family leave.

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.

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