Senior Research Hardware Developer

Quantum Motion is a fast-growing quantum computing scale-up based in London. We are developing quantum processors based on industrial-grade silicon chips, with the potential to radically transform computing power in areas such as materials modelling, medicine, artificial intelligence and more. We have recently moved into a new office in Islington with state of the art cryogenic facilities and have an outstanding interdisciplinary team spanning quantum physics to IC design.

This role will suit an experienced Hardware Developer who’s eager to contribute to next generation, large-scale quantum computing systems by playing a critical role in the hybridisation of silicon-based quantum processors and cryogenic electronics.

As a Senior Research Hardware Developer, you will lead the design and handling of experiments for 3D hybrid and heterogeneous integration schemes, such as flip-chip, multi-die bonding of various technology chiplets. You will do so via thorough investigation of thermals and materials, design of test vehicles, monitoring fabrication, and performing device characterisation and data analyses. You are responsible for providing data-driven advice for improvement across the development pipeline and up the system stack and further advancing this development by demonstrating desired performance, as well as improved yield and cost benefits for system-in-package products.

The role equally requires independence and collaboration. You will interact cross-functionally, both internally and externally, with engineers engaged in process development, integration, design, validation, and quantum hardware R&D.

You will function as a key technical stakeholder for integrated quantum systems by ensuring design and fabrication across chips are aligned with 3D architecture development.

This role requires initiative and adaptability to tasks at hand in a fast-paced scale-up environment.

Since 2021 our team has been listed every year in the “Top 100 Startups worth watching” in the EE Times, and our technology breakthroughs have been featured in The Telegraph, BBC and the New Statesman. Our founders are internationally renowned researchers from UCL and Oxford University who have pioneered the development of qubits and quantum computing architectures. Our chairman is the co-founder of Cadence and Synopsys, the two leading companies in the area of Electronic Design Automation. We’re backed by a team of top-tier investors including Bosch Ventures, Porsche SE, Sony Innovation Fund, Oxford Sciences Innovations, INKEF Capital and Octopus Ventures, and we have so far raised over £62 million in equity and grant funding.

We bring together the brightest quantum engineers, integrated circuit (IC) engineers, quantum computing theoreticians and software engineers to create a unique, world-leading team, working together closely to maximise our combined expertise. Our collaborative and interdisciplinary culture is an ideal fit for anyone who thrives in a cutting-edge research and development environment focused on tackling big challenges and contributing to the development of scalable quantum computers based on silicon technology.

Our team of 60+ is based in Oxford and London, with a centre of mass in our Islington lab and office.

• Define and develop methods for enabling state-of-the-art, integrated quantum systems by leveraging semiconductor interconnect and 3D stacking techniques.
• Partner closely with other teams to integrate heterogeneous devices, develop and refine device probing, packaging, and measurement methodologies, and ensure successful product delivery of final 3D architecture.
• Conduct thoroughly researched investigations to propose creative solutions that meet product requirements, as well as improve performance, yield, and reliability.
• Design and handle experiments, including test vehicles, process splits, and device characterisation.
• Advise on behalf QM in contacts with external partners for matters that relate to your field of competence, including analysing and reacting to inline, defect, param, and probe data in order to flag issues.
• Rigorously test and validate to verify performance and reliability of integrated solutions.
• Report on problems, and derive and explain data-driven actions to address them.
• Perform data analyses.
• Maintain good communication with cross-functional teams, including process development and integration, design, quantum hardware, validation, and fab operations.
• Keep level of scientific know-how up to date and apply this knowledge to continually enhance approaches and methodologies.
• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field; or B.S. with equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years hands-on experience, preferably in a research and development environment, in at least three of the following: process integration, 3D integration, flip-chip hybridisation, die processing, advanced interconnects, temporary bonding-debonding, post-hybridisation electrical test.
• 3+ years experience in design of experiments and performing quantitative analyses of electrical data to interpret experimental results, device characterisation, data and failure analysis, and visualisation tools such as JMP, Python, or SQL.
• Expert in semiconductor device physics and materials.
• Detailed knowledge of microelectronics materials, process specifications / monitoring / controls, reliability analysis, and failure mechanisms.
• Good understanding of semiconductor packaging technology assembly processes, materials, and tools.
• Microwave engineering experience or knowledge.
• Proactive attitude, takes initiative to achieve project goals, and completes tasks with minimal supervision.
• Good organisational skills.
• Flexibility to change between different projects and tasks according to changing priorities.
• Experience presenting scientific results (publications, conferences, seminars) and articulating difficult concepts to audiences with diverse technical backgrounds.
• Open to occasional travel.
• Cryogenic measurement experience
• Cleanroom experience
• Experience with fabrication processes for superconducting materials
• Experience with qubits
• Good understanding of or experience performing simulations
• Experience in bonding and assembly
• Be part of a creative, world-leading team
• Competitive salary and share options scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Select your own laptop/kit
• Life Assurance
• Cycle-to-work Scheme
• Flexible working
• Central London location

Quantum Motion is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate based on age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, colour, religion, disability status, marital status, pregnancy, gender reassignment or any other protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010.