Director of Processor

At OQC, we aren’t just theorising about the future; we’re building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we’ve successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started and we’ve recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round – the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe.

The Purpose

As Director of Processor, you'll lead the science and technology strategy behind OQC's next generation of quantum processors. You'll bring together device theory, numerical modelling, hardware co-design and experimental validation to turn ambitious processor concepts into demonstrated capabilities—and ensure OQC's quantum architecture remains at the forefront of the field.

The Role

Leading our processor design and characterisation function within Quantum Science & Exploratory Research (QSER), you'll build and lead a world-class multidisciplinary team working across multimode superconducting circuits and quantum processor development.

This is a senior scientific leadership role with significant influence over OQC's technology roadmap. You'll translate long-term company goals into executable research strategies, lead technical leaders across multiple disciplines, and create a tight feedback loop between theoretical processor design and experimental hardware. You'll also represent OQC externally, sharing our processor breakthroughs with the international quantum community and strategic partners.

What You'll Be Working On

• Set the strategy for OQC's quantum processor research, translating company-level ambitions into multi-year technical roadmaps and executable programmes.
• Build and lead a world-class processor team spanning device theory, numerical modelling, hardware co-design and experimental measurement.
• Drive multimode superconducting processor concepts from theoretical design through prototyping, characterisation and experimental validation.
• Ensure processor architectures are grounded in system requirements, connecting exploratory research with control hardware, software and product operations.
• Lead through technical managers and team leads, aligning multiple specialist disciplines while developing outstanding scientists and engineers.
• Own planning, budgets and investment priorities across processor research, including experimental system upgrades and compute/simulation requirements.
• Represent OQC as a technical leader within the global quantum community, communicating processor milestones to executives, strategic partners and international audiences.

What We're Looking For

• Deep technical expertise in superconducting quantum devices, quantum processor development or a closely related field.
• Significant experience taking quantum device concepts from design through experimental implementation and validation.
• Experience spanning industrial and/or academic experimental quantum device development.
• A proven track record operating across physics, hardware and software, including close collaboration with hardware design, control-system and software teams.
• Senior technical leadership experience, including leading multidisciplinary teams and managing technical leaders.
• Experience translating ambitious research objectives into structured programmes without compromising scientific innovation.
• Strong strategic roadmapping, project leadership, communication and influencing capability, with the confidence to operate effectively with executive stakeholders.
• Experience forecasting and managing technical research budgets and making informed investment and resource-allocation decisions.
• Master's or PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or another relevant scientific/engineering discipline, or equivalent commercial experience.

The 'Nice-to-Haves'

• Experience designing and implementing quantum or cryogenic systems.
• Experience across multiple quantum or cryogenic system architectures.
• A track record of designing and delivering complex technology to specification.
• Experience coordinating large multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex technical outcomes.
• Strong hands-on understanding of cryogenic system operation and electrical measurement.
• Experience developing and managing strategic external partnerships.
• An established profile within the quantum research community, including presenting technical work to international audiences.

Why Join OQC

You will join a world-class team at the forefront of the next computational era. We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation.

Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here: https://oqc.tech/company/careers-at-oqc/