Quantum Microchip Designer; Ion Traps

Remote / Online - Candidates ideally in
Manchester, Greater Manchester, M9, England, UK

Listing for: Universal Quantum

Remote/Work from Home position
Listed on 2026-09-18

Job specializations:

Engineering
Electronics Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineer, Engineering Design & Technologists

Position: Quantum Microchip Designer (Ion Traps)

At Universal Quantum, we aim to make the world a better place by engineering the future of computing. Together, we are creating truly impactful quantum computers. Our machines will be capable of solving problems until now considered impossible, with applications across healthcare, advanced materials, aerospace and beyond.

We are looking for a Quantum Microchip Designer (Ion Traps) to develop, design, test, and work with fabrication partners to realise next‑generation microfabricated Paul traps for scalable quantum computers.

Passionate about helping create technologies that can change the world? We may be the right place for you, so get in touch.

What You’ll Accomplish:

Work with users to determine suitable layouts for ion traps
Develop and design ion traps for manufacture
Act as technical liaison with ion trap manufacturers
Perform electromagnetic and thermo‑mechanical analysis and simulation on designs
Work with package designers to develop packages and assembly procedures
Document designs and simulations

Requirements

The 3 Most Critical Attributes We’ll Use to Compare Candidates:

Surface ion trap design experience

Strong numerical and analytical methods for electromagnetic and/or thermo‑mechanical analysis

Knowledge of ion motion and shuttling techniques

Must-have

Skills:

Able to write clear, technical documents
Understand the architecture for an ion trap system
Experience with design for test and manufacture
Able to technically communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders
Familiar with electrical testing methods and equipment
PhD/master’s degree in physics, electronic engineering, or a related discipline

Nice-to-have

Skills:

Experience fabricating ion traps
Design and implement test harnesses of microfabricated structures
Design for manufacture experience
Design for reliability experience
Package and assembly design experience
Hands on experience shuttling ions
Experience working with commercial foundries
Familiarity with commercial design tool set (Custom Compiler, Virtuoso etc.)

Benefits

Equity options
Flexible holiday allowance (a minimum of 28 days)
Flexible and remote working options
10% matching pension, generous parental support policy
Private health/dental insurance, and relocation support