Photonics Technical Lead

Infleqtion

Lead integrated photonics efforts as Photonics Technical Lead at Infleqtion, a global quantum technology company. Shape product strategies and oversee multidisciplinary projects in quantum technologies.

Posted 6/8/2026full-timeKidlington • 🇬🇧 United KingdomSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Photonics Technical Lead (PTL) plays a strategic role in shaping and advancing Infleqtion's integrated photonics capabilities.
Responsible for developing and executing the photonics roadmap across a portfolio of projects spanning photonic integrated circuits (PICs), laser systems, and integrated photonic subsystems for quantum technologies.
Collaborate extensively with multidisciplinary teams across Infleqtion's UK, US, and Australian operations.
Oversee technical project execution, leading photonics research and development activities, managing technical personnel, developing external partnerships.
Identify opportunities to transition photonics technologies into commercial products.
Set technical objectives, assess feasibility, manage technical risks, and support project delivery.
Present technical updates, milestone reviews, design reviews to stakeholders.
Lead the design, simulation, layout, fabrication, testing, and packaging of silicon photonics PICs.
Work with foundry partners, III-V gain chip suppliers, and packaging companies to develop and integrate photonic devices.

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in Photonics, Optoelectronics, or a related discipline.
Deep expertise in integrated photonics and PIC-based device development.
Advanced proficiency in photonics simulation techniques, including FDTD, EME, FEM, BPM, or similar methods.
Hands-on experience with commercial photonics design, simulation, and layout tools such as Lumerical, Synopsys, or similar.
Strong understanding of silicon photonics design, layout, fabrication, packaging, and test workflows.
Experience with lasers, modulators, passive photonic devices, frequency combs, and high-speed optical measurement systems.
Ability to quickly understand complex technical concepts and communicate them clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
5+ years’ experience post PhD developing PIC-based devices or integrated photonic systems in quantum, telecom, sensing, datacom, or related fields.
Experience leading technical projects, teams, or work packages in a multidisciplinary environment.
Experience working with foundries, packaging partners, component suppliers, or external collaborators.
Track record of developing complex technologies from concept through validation, prototype, or product transition.
Experience supporting proposals, externally funded projects, or customer-facing technical programmes.
Comfort working in a dynamic, collaborative, matrixed environment.
Experience with atomic physics applications.
Experience with heterogeneous integration of III-V and silicon photonic devices.
Knowledge of micro-combs, optical frequency combs, or laser frequency stabilisation.
Experience with automated photonics test systems and data analysis.
Familiarity with product development, commercialisation, and IP generation.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Incentive Stock Option Plan
Generous company 10% pension contribution regardless of employee contribution
Cycle to work scheme
Tax efficient technology schemes
BUPA Private Healthcare Insurance once probationary period is successfully completed
Unlimited PTO  subject to fair usage

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

photonicsintegrated photonicsphotonic integrated circuits (PICs)photonics simulation techniquesFDTDEMEFEMBPMsilicon photonics designautomated photonics test systems

Soft Skills

communicationleadershipcollaborationtechnical project managementproblem-solvingadaptabilitystakeholder engagementteam managementconceptual understandingcustomer-facing communication

Certifications

PhD in PhotonicsPhD in Optoelectronics