Senior Optical Engineer

Infleqtion

Optical Engineer working at Infleqtion developing optical systems for quantum sensing and computing. Collaboration across engineering disciplines to solve complex challenges and deliver engineered solutions.

Posted 7/23/2026full-timeKidlington • 🇬🇧 United KingdomSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Optical Engineering and system design, with a strong focus on free space and fibre optic systems. Proficient in using optical simulation tools and test equipment to validate and optimize complex optical systems.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Optical System DesignOptical Simulation ToolsPrecision Alignment of Optical SystemsOptical Test EquipmentMaster’s Degree in Optical Engineering

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Optical System DesignFree Space System DesignFibre Optic System DesignOptical Simulation ToolsPrecision AlignmentOptical Beam QualityAberration Minimisation3D CAD SoftwareOptical Component ValidationTest Plan Execution

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsProblem SolvingCollaborationIntellectual AgilityEntrepreneurial Drive

Tools & Technologies

ANSYS ZemaxBeam ProfilersPolarimetersOptical Spectrum AnalysersWavemetersWave-Front SensorsPhotodiodesSolidWorks

Industry Keywords

Quantum SensingQuantum ComputingOptical SystemsLaser DistributionModulationImaging SystemsMicro-OpticsPhotonically Integrated CircuitsMetasurface ComponentsTolerance Requirements

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

Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics or similar field(s), or equivalent vocational qualification(s).
Technical Knowledge and Experience
- Minimum 5+ years of industry experience in a relevant field.
- 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 Zemax 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.
Desirable Skills and Knowledge
- 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

In addition to your base compensation, we offer a generous Total Rewards program which includes:
- Competitive salary
- Bonus program
- 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
- Life assurance (4 x salary)