About The Role and Team
Quantum Motion is a fast-growing quantum computing scale-up based in London founded by internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University with over 40 years’ experience in developing qubits and quantum computing architectures. Bringing together state-of-the-art cryogenic facilities and an outstanding interdisciplinary team, we are developing quantum processors based on industrial-grade silicon chips, with the potential to radically transform computing power in areas such as materials modelling, medicine, artificial intelligence and more.
Since 2021 our team has been listed every year in the “Top 100 Startups worth watching” in the EE Times in 2021 and 2022, and our technology breakthroughs have been featured in The Telegraph, BBC and the New Statesman. Our founders are internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University who have pioneered the development of qubits and quantum computing architectures. Our chairman is the co-founder of Cadence and Synopsys, the two leading companies in the area of Electronic Design Automation. We’re backed by a team of top-tier investors, and we have recently closed our Series C funding of $160 million.
We bring together the brightest quantum engineers, integrated circuit (IC) engineers, quantum computing theoreticians and software engineers to create a unique, world-leading team, working together closely to maximise our combined expertise. Our collaborative and interdisciplinary culture is an ideal fit for anyone who thrives in a cutting-edge research and development environment focused on tackling big challenges and contributing to the development of scalable quantum computers based on silicon technology.
Our team of 100+ is based across London, Oxford, San Sebastián and Sydney, with our primary hub in Islington (London).
Our Team
You will join the Cryogenic Engineering R&D team, supervised by the Staff Cryogenic Engineer. This team ensures the smooth running of our UK operations, managing state-of-the-art facilities consisting of 7+ cryogenic fridges, whilst also overseeing off-site lab deployments and installations.
This position is ideal for a cryogenic engineering specialist with an interest in quantum who enjoys a fast-moving, collaborative environment with constantly evolving technical challenges. You will be responsible for design, development, characterisation and troubleshooting of key cryogenic components such as superconducting magnets, RF and DC wiring looms and innovative quantum chip-cooling technologies for use in dilution refrigerator systems. You will be working with a team of like minded cryogenic and electronics engineers and researchers with whom you will be sharing ideas on a daily basis. Working collaboratively towards achieving the company goal of a utility scale fault tolerant quantum computer.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be an early employee at a scale-up shaping the future of quantum computing. There are vast opportunities for professional growth and to make an impact within the company.
Functions of the Role
- Cryogenic R&D: Developing new and innovative approaches to ultra low temperature signal transmission, sample cooling, miniature superconducting magnets, cryostats and other key components required to build a quantum computer.
- Test and measurement: Take control of test and characterisation protocols for cryogenic and electronics components and sub-assemblies, ensuring repeatability and quality control.
- Lab User support: Giving fast and efficient support to our team of research scientists to develop and maintain our experimental setups (more than 20 to date and growing) to meet constantly evolving requirements.
- Production Support: Your cryogenic R&D work will feed directly into our production department and will require the development of robust assembly and test methodologies.
- Supervision & Mentoring: Act as a reference point for our apprentices and other technical team members, supporting them with advice and training to build essential skills in Cryogenic engineering.
Experience - Essentials
- Academic experience: A higher degree (masters or PhD level) in a relevant discipline involving low-temperature quantum measurements or equivalent industry experience.
- Technical Background: R&D/production experience in a commercial or laboratory environment. Familiarity with dilution refrigeration.
- Creativity: Proven expertise and demonstrable passion for inventing things.
- Design: Experience working with CAD software, prototyping and communicating technical information with relevant stakeholders.
- Mentorship: Experience in training, supervising and inspiring junior staff or apprentices.
- Problem Solving: A strong intuition for hardware debugging and a proactive approach to installation and site work.
- Engineering: Deep understanding of cryogenic methods and material properties.
Experience - Desirable
- Experience working within Quantum industry
- Lab support experience
Benefits
- Be part of a creative, world-leading team
- Competitive salary and share options scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Group private medical insurance scheme
- Life Assurance
- Cycle-to-work Scheme
- Central London location
EEO Statement
Quantum Motion is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy and maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws (including the UK Equality Act 2010 and Spanish Employment Law).
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The Cryogenic R&D Engineer role is a fundamental enabler within the quantum computing value chain, directly addressing the essential requirement for ultra-low temperature environments critical to maintaining qubit coherence and operational stability for various quantum processor architectures. This specialized engineering discipline is structurally necessary to translate theoretical quantum advantage into practical, scalable hardware. The demand for such expertise is driven by the global market signal towards developing fault-tolerant quantum computers, necessitating significant advancements in thermal management, signal delivery at millikelvin temperatures, and system integration. This position therefore serves as a pivotal bottleneck resolver, impacting the fundamental viability and performance envelope of next-generation quantum computing platforms.
The global quantum computing ecosystem faces significant architectural challenges in scaling beyond prototype systems, with cryogenic infrastructure representing a primary technical and logistical bottleneck. Advanced dilution refrigeration and ultra-low temperature environments are indispensable for superconducting, semiconducting, and certain topological qubit modalities. The demand for highly specialized cryogenic engineering talent currently outstrips supply, exacerbating recruitment difficulties across the sector. This talent shortage impedes the transition of quantum processors from laboratory-scale experiments to robust, commercially viable systems, contributing to significant Technology Readiness Level (TRL) mismatches between qubit fabrication and integrated system deployment. Furthermore, the supply chain for specialized cryogenic components, including custom wiring, filters, and high-frequency interconnects, remains fragmented, presenting risks to both research timelines and mass production efforts. Ecosystem-wide collaboration is emerging to standardize interfaces and components, but integration complexities persist due to the bespoke nature of many quantum hardware designs. Overcoming these hurdles requires continuous innovation in cryostat design, thermal load management, and efficient signal routing at extreme temperatures. This role directly contributes to overcoming these systemic barriers by driving the research and development necessary for modular, high-throughput cryogenic systems capable of housing thousands or millions of qubits.
The technical skill architecture for a Cryogenic R&D Engineer in the quantum domain encompasses deep expertise in low-temperature physics and advanced thermodynamic principles, particularly pertaining to millikelvin regimes. Core capabilities include the design, simulation, and experimental validation of dilution refrigerator systems, alongside the development of miniature superconducting magnets for precise magnetic field control. Proficient understanding of material science at cryogenic temperatures is essential for selecting components that minimize thermal contraction, stress, and electrical noise. Furthermore, critical skills involve the engineering of high-frequency and DC wiring looms, including superconducting and low-loss coaxial cables, optimized for signal integrity and thermal anchoring within the cryogenic stack. Interface points extend to quantum control electronics, vacuum systems, and mechanical design software, requiring robust computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis for thermal modeling and structural integrity. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring the stability, low-noise performance, and reliable operation of quantum processors, directly impacting qubit performance and system scalability.
Accelerates qubit coherence times.
Enhances quantum processor yield rates.
Reduces operational energy footprint for quantum systems.
Expands the viable temperature window for quantum operations.
Drives miniaturization of cryogenic infrastructure.
Improves signal-to-noise ratio in quantum measurements.
Facilitates integration of diverse quantum hardware components.
Lowers the total cost of ownership for quantum computing platforms.
Enables broader accessibility to advanced quantum research facilities.
Establishes new industry standards for cryogenic reliability.
Propels the development of next-generation quantum materials.
Mitigates thermal cross-talk within multi-qubit systems.
Industry Tags: Quantum Computing Hardware, Cryogenic Engineering, Dilution Refrigeration, Silicon Qubits, Low-Temperature Physics, Quantum Systems Integration, Superconducting Technologies, Quantum Device Characterization, Ultra-Low Temperature R&D.
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