About Us: Xen Quantum is building next-generation quantum communication systems based on silicon photonics and a patented architecture, enabling practical and scalable quantum key distribution (QKD). Our technology simplifies implementation and lays the foundation for high-volume manufacturing and real-world deployment.
Position Overview
We're looking for a Quantum Communication System Developer to join as one of our first technical hires and play a defining role in shaping both our technology and the engineering culture. This is a hands‑on role at the intersection of quantum optics, photonics, cryptography and system engineering – spanning laboratory development, system integration, and early field deployment with customers.
What You’ll Do
- Develop, integrate, and characterise quantum key distribution (QKD) systems, with a focus on optical subsystems and protocol execution.
- Design, test, and evaluate photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for quantum communication applications.
- Build and characterise optical and electro‑optic subsystems and prototypes.
- Analyse experimental data and feed results back into system and product design.
- Design and execute experiments, pilot trials, and early customer deployments.
- Work closely with founders and collaborators to develop deployable systems.
What We’re Looking For
Education & Experience
- MSc or PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated excellence in experimental quantum optics and optical communications.
- At least 3 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in relevant topics.
- Proven ability to design, build, and characterise optical systems independently.
Technical Skills
- Hands‑on experience with optical system construction and characterisation.
- Fibre‑optic systems experience (lasers, modulators, detectors, fibre components).
- Electro‑optic lab experience, including familiarity with RF signals and measurements.
- Experience building, characterising, and controlling QKD systems.
- Scientific programming experience (Python and relevant libraries; C/C++ highly valued).
- Experience with Linux‑based systems and version control (git).
- Statistical data analysis and visualisation.
- Experience with numerical modelling and simulations.
- Strong project management and self‑organisation skills, independently planning and executing work while reliably meeting timelines, technical milestones, and other constraints.
Nice to Have
- Experience with photonic integrated circuit design and characterisation.
- Experience with field trials or deployed optical systems.
- Exposure to customer‑facing technical work.
This is a wish list, not a requirements list – if you have a technical background, are excited about what we’re building and want to be part of an early‑stage start‑up, we want to hear from you.
How You Work
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Creative and flexible problem‑solver, able to work around real‑world constraints.
- Comfortable operating independently in an early‑stage environment.
- Willing to take ownership of the responsibilities associated with the role, and help define the technology development.
Compensation & Benefits
- £40,000 – £60,000 pa, depending on experience.
- Company shares options plan.
- Enhanced annual leave (25 days + bank holidays).
- Primarily in‑person working (in Cambridge, UK), with flexible options where possible.
- Early‑hire role with genuine scope to grow with – and help shape – the business.
