Head of Systems Engineering

At Universal Quantum, we are building the next generation of quantum computers - machines capable of solving problems once thought impossible. Our technology has the potential to transform industries from healthcare to aerospace, materials science, and beyond. As we scale from breakthrough R&D to global delivery, resilient execution becomes as critical as technical innovation. We are looking for a Head of Systems Engineering who will be accountable for the definition, and implementation of complex quantum computing systems. The role leads multidisciplinary systems engineering across electronic, mechanical, cryogenic, vacuum, optical, software, and control domains, ensuring that product requirements are translated into coherent, testable, and deployable system solutions. The position combines senior technical leadership, organisational development, and programme delivery. It owns system-level engineering rigour from concept through customer deployment, while building an effective, collaborative engineering organisation across UK and international locations. What You'll Accomplish Systems engineering leadership: Define and implement the systems engineering strategy, lifecycle, standards, governance, and toolset, including requirements management, traceability, modelling, simulation, configuration control, and MBSE where appropriateSystem definition and architecture: Lead system-level design and requirements decomposition, working with Product, Architecture, Quantum, Hardware, Software, and Control teams to establish clear interfaces, budgets, specifications, trade-offs, and acceptance criteriaTechnical assurance: Establish and chair proportionate design, readiness, test, and acceptance reviews; ensure risks, non-conformances, failure investigations, and corrective actions are managed to closureProgramme delivery: Maintain system-level plans, dependencies, technical risks, and performance measures so programmes achieve agreed scope, schedule, cost, quality, and performance objectivesTeam leadership: Build, lead, and mentor multidisciplinary systems engineering and integration teams; set objectives and KPIs, develop capability, support recruitment, and establish clear accountabilityCross-functional execution: Create effective working relationships across research, engineering, product, programme, quality, supply chain, and customer-facing teams, ensuring timely decisions and transparent communicationIntegration, verification, and validation: Contribute to the definition of the verification and test strategy for integrated assembly and systems. Quality, safety, and compliance: Ensure systems meet applicable reliability, safety, regulatory, contractual, and quality requirements, with evidence appropriate to each programmeStrategy and roadmap: Contribute to technical strategy and product roadmaps, identifying opportunities to improve system performance, modularity, manufacturability, serviceability, and scalability. Requirements To be successful in this role, you must have: Degree in Systems Engineering, Physics, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience Significant experience leading systems engineering activities across complex multidisciplinary hardware and software products Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary engineering teams within a scaling organisationStrong experience owning requirements, system architecture, interfaces, integration, verification, validation, and system acceptanceDeep understanding of systems engineering methodologies, lifecycle models, risk management, design reviews, configuration management, and requirements management toolsProven ability to align global stakeholders across research, engineering, product, and programme functionsExcellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisationStrong systems-thinking capability and experience making sound decisions in technically challenging and ambiguous environments It would also be desirable, if you have: Experience within quantum computing or another deep-technology environmentExperience in semiconductors, photonics, cryogenics, ultra-high vacuum systems, precision electronics, or control systemsExperience transitioning advanced technologies from R&D into commercial products, customer deployments, or production environments. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement listed in the job description. If you believe you could make a positive impact, we'd love to hear from you. Benefits Joining Universal Quantum means becoming part of a rapidly growing company at the forefront of one of the world's most exciting technologies. As we continue to scale, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of both our products and our organisation, taking on meaningful challenges with real impact. We offer an environment where talented people can grow their careers, broaden their expertise, and help solve some of the toughest engineering problems in the industry, all whilst working alongside world-class scientists and engineers. Competitive salary Meaningful equity participation Flexible holiday allowance (28 days minimum)Flexible working10% matching pensionGenerous parental support policyPrivate health / dental insurance & group life insurance£2,000 annual personal development budgetRelocation support We are committed to nurturing diversity and inclusion At Universal Quantum, we're passionate about working with and for all kinds of minds. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, and we hold ourselves accountable through continuous improvement, transparency, and the way we design our hiring and working practices. We welcome team members from all backgrounds and actively work to ensure everyone can flourish.