Neutral Atom Systems Architect

Neutral Atom Systems Architect

Nu Quantum

Cambridge, United Kingdom

The Role

Nu Quantum is seeking a highly skilled Neutral Atom Systems Architect to lead on the specification and architecture of a Quantum Networking layer that supports Distributed Quantum Computing with Neutral Atoms.

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative environment. Working closely with our AMO theorists, networking team, QEC researchers and Systems engineers, to define how Nu Quantum's hardware interfaces with Neutral atom QPUs, from modelling high-fidelity networking protocols through to hardware-performance targets that will enable fault-tolerant distributed quantum computing.

The role will involve collaborating with peers across the organisation and coordinating with external partners, helping shape the path towards large-scale QC Systems.

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. You 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 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;
  • Working with AMO theorists to model high-fidelity remote entanglement generation and networking protocols under realistic experimental constraints;
  • Collaborating with the Quantum Error Correction team to define architectural requirements for distributed fault-tolerant quantum computing.
• 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 to scale our world-class engineering team;
  • Meeting with the Project Management Office and Finance teams to coordinate initial project scoping, resource allocation and tooling.
• Embodying 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, incl. 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.

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.