R&D Project Lead

This R&D Project Lead role is suited to someone who wants to stay deeply involved in the science while taking responsibility for direction, pace, and technical decision-making. You’ll lead multiple R&D workstreams focused on developing scalable, high-quality quantum devices, acting as the point where experimental detail, prioritisation, and delivery come together. It’s a senior role in responsibility and influence, but very much hands-on in execution.

Our client designs and builds advanced quantum hardware, scaling rapidly as demand for larger, more reliable quantum devices accelerates. Their R&D teams work across design, fabrication, and measurement, and they are now looking for someone who can bring structure and momentum to complex experimental programmes without losing scientific rigour.

As the R&D Project Lead, you’ll guide experimental strategy, manage technical dependencies, and keep teams aligned on what matters most. You’ll be closely involved in defining experiments, interpreting results, and deciding next steps — while also ensuring progress remains coherent across parallel projects.

Responsibilities include

• Driving progress across multiple R&D projects by identifying critical paths, dependencies, and priorities.
• Defining and executing experimental strategies, including hypothesis development and decision-making on what to test next.
• Designing experiments and contributing directly to hands-on work across design, fabrication and measurement cycles.
• Analysing experimental results, drawing conclusions, and translating outcomes into clear next actions.
• Coordinating closely with design, fabrication and measurement teams to keep the R&D cycle efficient and aligned.
• Managing uncertainty by identifying technical risks early and adapting plans as new data emerges.
• Communicating progress, findings and trade-offs clearly to internal stakeholders.

What you’ll bring

• Strong background in experimental physics, with hands-on experience working with superconducting qubits.
• Experience across the full R&D lifecycle: design, fabrication and measurement.
• Natural ownership mindset — comfortable taking initiative and guiding others when direction is needed.
• Ability to balance scientific depth with pragmatic progress and timely decision-making.
• Clear communication style and confidence influencing technical discussions.
• Someone who enjoys being close to the data, the experiments, and the outcomes.

You’ll join a highly capable R&D environment where technical leadership is trusted and impact is visible. The role offers the chance to shape how scalable quantum devices are developed, while remaining embedded in the experimental work itself. Expect flexibility, strong support for relocation if required, and the opportunity to work alongside experts who are genuinely pushing the boundaries of quantum technology.

If you are interested in the R&D Project Lead position, please contact Emily Wright.