Nu Quantum Ltd
Neutral Atom Systems Architect
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
About the Role
The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative environment and should be able to draw on their experience to strengthen system-level and strategic thinking within the technical team at Nu Quantum. This role requires deep expertise in neutral-atom quantum computing, with a particular emphasis on hardware architecture and high-performance neutral-atom quantum processing units. Working closely with our AMO theorists, networking team, QEC researchers, and systems engineers, the successful candidate will help define how Atom’s neutral-atom quantum processors interface with NuQ’s quantum networking hardware, from modelling high-fidelity networking protocols under realistic conditions through to the requirements of fault-tolerant distributed quantum computing.
The role will involve coordinating and collaborating with peers across the organisation and external partners, helping shape the technical direction of neutral-atom networking platforms and guiding projects towards performant Distributed Quantum Computing testbeds.
Responsibilities
System Architecture & Specs
- Own the definition, decomposition, and maintenance of the Network System Architecture and all System/Subsystem Specifications (QPI, QNU, Cavity Systems, etc.) for Neutral Atoms.
- Define what the system must do to create a clean, well-documented specification for the engineering team.
- Own the technical vision for neutral-atom hardware architecture, and be the company’s go-to expert for qubit control, optical systems, gate optimisation, and overall system performance.
- Provide technical leadership building on your technical expertise to assist with system architecture, hardware design concepts, hardware specification targets, technical decision-making, and project scoping.
- Work with AMO theorists to model high-fidelity remote entanglement generation and networking protocols under realistic experimental constraints.
- Collaborate with the Quantum Error Correction team to define architectural requirements for distributed fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Cross-Functional Alignment
- Work closely with the Product Management team to ensure specifications meet commercial product definitions, and with the Engineering team to convey clear concepts of operation for the Networking Hardware.
- Act as the technical partner for Product Managers, evaluating competing quantum networking approaches, providing system-level analysis to inform product strategy and technology roadmaps.
- Align with Heads of Departments and Group Leads to help them identify critical skill gaps and hire and scale a world-class engineering team.
- Meet with the Project Management Office and Finance teams to coordinate initial project scoping, resource allocation, and tooling.
- Embody our company values, championing scientific integrity and fostering a collaborative working environment.
Furthermore, there will be opportunities for you to represent the company at scientific conferences and industry events.
Requirements
Your Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
- Postgraduate qualification (PhD preferred) in Physics, with applications to neutral-atom quantum computing.
- Deep technical expertise in neutral-atom quantum computing, including design and operation of neutral-atom quantum processing units.
- Strong understanding of laser physics, optical engineering, and experimental techniques required for neutral-atom systems, including optical trapping, beam delivery, and laser stabilisation.
- Expertise in high-fidelity neutral-atom qubit gates, including Rydberg-mediated entangling gates, error mechanisms, and performance optimisation.
- Strong understanding of quantum control, calibration, and system-level optimisation across hardware and software interfaces.
- Experience modelling open quantum systems using tools such as QuTiP, Mathematica, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent.
- Experience leading technical projects and taking responsibility for technical delivery, architectural decisions, and budget planning (for example as a Technical Lead in industry, Group Leader in academia, or equivalent).
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- Strong data management skills and experience working within multidisciplinary teams.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Other (Desirable but not required)
- Knowledge of photonic interfaces between neutral atoms and quantum networks.
- Understanding of distributed quantum computing architectures and quantum networking protocols.
- Knowledge of Quantum Error Correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing architectures.
- Industry experience.
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 + UK Public Holidays
- Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
- Enhanced paid family leave policies
- Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills