Quantum Algorithm Engineer – Detection
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 a Quantum Algorithm Engineer specialising in Detection, you'll develop and evaluate quantum methods for detection, prediction and estimation workloads. You'll establish credible evidence for performance on real hardware—understanding not just whether an approach works, but what the quantum component contributes, how portable it is across hardware, and where it can deliver meaningful value.
The Role
Based in London, you'll work at the intersection of quantum algorithm research and applied product development. You'll develop quantum parent methods, design measurement strategies and rigorously assess circuit cost, sample complexity, noise sensitivity and hardware portability.
This is an opportunity to take an evidence-led approach to quantum algorithms. You'll design controlled experiments that separate theoretical promise from demonstrated performance, helping turn the most promising methods into repeatable capabilities for OQC's wider hybrid computing platform.
What You'll Be Working On
- Develop quantum parent methods for detection, prediction and related estimation workloads.
- Explore approaches spanning quantum kernels, variational models, estimation, optimisation and sampling.
- Design quantum advice and observable-acquisition strategies suitable for downstream shadow-model training.
- Analyse circuit cost, sample complexity, measurement requirements, noise robustness and resource requirements.
- Evaluate algorithm and circuit portability across quantum hardware, including the impact of compilation and hardware constraints.
- Design controlled ablation studies that isolate and quantify exactly what individual quantum components contribute.
- Benchmark theoretical expectations against evidence from real hardware, using results to guide algorithm development and product decisions.
What We're Looking For
- Broad quantum algorithm expertise across areas such as quantum kernels, variational models, estimation, optimisation or sampling.
- Strong algorithm analysis skills, including resource estimation and understanding the practical costs of quantum execution.
- Strong knowledge of quantum measurement strategies and their impact on algorithm performance.
- Experience analysing noise sensitivity and the behaviour of algorithms under realistic hardware constraints.
- Understanding of quantum compilation and its impact on performance and hardware portability.
- The ability to design rigorous experiments and distinguish theoretical promise from evidence demonstrated on real quantum hardware.
- Strong ownership and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across quantum, software, product and engineering disciplines.
- Degree or equivalent practical experience in Quantum Computing, Computer Science, Physics or a related discipline.
The 'Nice-to-Haves'
- Experience taking quantum research software or experimental methods into repeatable engineering workflows.
- Experience evaluating quantum algorithms across different hardware platforms or architectures.
- Familiarity with regulated enterprise use cases and evidence-led product development.
- Experience developing quantum methods that contribute to hybrid classical-quantum workflows.
- A pragmatic, curious approach and comfort working in a fast-evolving technical environment.
- A relevant professional or postgraduate qualification.
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/
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