Optics Engineer

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Cambridge, UK

Visa Sponsorship available

Closing date for applications: Monday 17th August 2026 at 1pm (UK time).

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We’re creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems.

We’re working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world-leading companies and academic groups.

We are seeking a talented and motivated Optics Engineer (at Associate or Mid Level, depending on experience) to join our team. In this role, you will design, develop, optimise the low noise optical system used to lock optical microcavities to stable lasers. You will work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment alongside experts in nanofabrication, electronics, mechanical engineering, and software.  Primary responsibilities would lie in one of the following areas:

• Design and implementation of tabletop optics experiments for Pound-Drever-Hall optical cavity locking
• Design, build and automate optical setups for the assembly and characterisation of microcavities

You will work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment alongside experts in nanofabrication, electronics, mechanical engineering, and software.

• Contribute to the design and execution of advanced optical experiments and system builds.
• Design and implement system automation to improve efficiency, repeatability, and control in optical experiments.
• Align and optimise free-space and fibre-based optical setups to achieve precise performance targets.
• Obtain experimental results, perform detailed data analysis, and draw clear, actionable conclusions.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and lessons learned to ensure reproducibility.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly through high-quality written reports and presentations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with nanofabrication, electronics, mechanical, and software engineering teams to develop and execute integrated test and development plans.

Your skills, qualifications and experience

Essential

• MSc or PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven experience in optical system design and simulations 
• Hands-on experience with building bespoke benchtop optics setups, including free-space and fibre-based optics.
• Hands-on experience of laser diodes (e.g. FP lasers, DFB lasers, DBR lasers, etc.) and optical detectors such as silicon (Si) or indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) photodiodes.
• Experience with instrumentation and data analysis using Python or Matlab
• Strong data management and record-keeping skills to support reproducible and collaborative workflows.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical lab problems.
• Proactive and natural problem solver with a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).

Desirable (nice to have but not required)

Industry or postgraduate experience in two or more of the following areas:

• Code version control and collaboration through a platform such as git
• Noise analysis and minimisation in optical or electronic systems
• Experience with optical simulation software packages such as Lumerical or Zemax/Optalix is desirable
• Experience with multiphysics simulation packages such as Comsol
• Fibre splicing
• Knowledge of Pound-Drever-Hall locking technique
• Hands-on experience working with optical cavities

Why work with us?

At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.

Benefits

• Flexible working options

• Group DIS cover (4 x salary)
• 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• On-site gym membership
• Cycle scheme 
• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office
• 28 days annual leave, including a 3-day company shutdown period + Public Holidays in England and Wales
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Enhanced paid family leave policies 
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens