Senior Optical Engineer

Infleqtion

Optical Engineer developing complex systems for quantum applications at a global technology company. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design and test optical components and systems.

Posted 4/28/2026full-timeOxford • 🇬🇧 United KingdomSeniorWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Collaboration with physicists, opto-mechanical, mechanical, electrical and software engineers to lead the development of optical systems for quantum sensing and computing
From source to atom: Lead and execute the process from requirements and design to assembly and test for optical systems spanning laser distribution, modulation, delivery and imaging.
Work at the component level up through to large sub-systems containing hundreds of precisely aligned optical elements.
Optimise, analyse and tolerance optical designs using computational methods.
Use simulation tools to guide design decisions and communicate findings to project leaders both verbally and through design documentation.
Lead the design review process for optical systems.
Validate and characterise optical components and systems for performance, reliability, and stability by formulating and executing structured test plans.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics or similar field(s), or equivalent vocational qualification(s).
Minimum 5+ years of experience in a relevant field or further education.
Expertise in free space and fibre optic system design.
Experience with the design and/or use of complex optical systems (e.g. compound lens systems, SLM’s, DOE’s)
Hands on experience with precision alignment of optical and laser systems.
Detailed understanding of optical beam quality and aberration minimisation.
Experience with optical simulation tools (ANSYS Zeemax preferred).
Experience using optical test equipment such as beam profilers, polarimeters, optical spectrum analysers, wavemeters, polarimeters, wave-front sensors and photodiodes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with design for beam stability in power, pointing, polarisation and phase.
Experience with laser beam distribution, modulation and delivery
Experience with imaging system design and camera selection
Experience with laser systems, micro-optics, photonically integrated circuits or metasurface components.
Understanding of tolerance requirements for optical components and mounts.
Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
Entrepreneurial drive, intellectual agility and personal eagerness to develop with the needs of the business.
Passion for solving complex problems and challenges in a highly technical and scientific environment.
Ability to work comfortably in a highly collaborative, cross-functional, team-oriented, and matrixed environment.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Unlimited PTO
Generous company 10% pension contribution regardless of employee contribution
Cycle to work and Technology schemes
Incentive Stock Option Plan
BUPA Private Healthcare Insurance once probationary period is successfully completed