Hardware Engineer Industrial Placement

Overview

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Salary: £24,961 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 12 months
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus Didcot, OX11 0QX
Closing Date: Sunday, 19th October 2025
Interview Date: Dec 2025 / Jan 2026
Start Date: September 2026

The NQCC's Superconducting Circuits team works across science and engineering to build and scale superconducting quantum computing systems. These complex systems contain many components and sub-systems requiring skills across mechanical, electrical, RF/microwave and cryogenic engineering disciplines.

On a Hardware Engineering Industrial Placement, you will join the team in developing the experimental infrastructure for quantum hardware with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in topics such as CAD design and manufacturing, operation of cryogenic systems, building qubit control setups, wiring and validation of cryogenic RF signal chains.

Beyond the lab, you will take part in wider activities, including internal seminars, journal clubs, technical training, outreach and public engagement events, as well as team-building activities such as sports and cake clubs.

Role overview

About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities

• 3D modelling and prototyping of cryogenic and vacuum compatible parts
• Build robust and scalable qubit measurement and control setups
• Installation and testing of cryogenic RF signal chains
• Assist in the preparation and operation of dilution refrigerators
• Work within a quantum hardware team, interacting with quantum device and cryogenic measurement specialists
• Record and share knowledge through reports and presentations

Person Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential:

• Currently enrolled on an undergraduate degree course and returning to university/studies to complete your undergraduate degree following the placement (S)
• Are required or have requested to take an industrial placement year (S)
• Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S)
• Able to commence employment in summer 2026 (S)
• Appreciation of mechanical or electrical engineering principles (S&I)
• Knowledge of software and techniques for CAD, machining or 3D printing (S&I)
• Ability to produce technical reports, documentation and presentation to a high standard (S&I)
• Experience working in a team, and able to demonstrate autonomy within their area of responsibility (S&I)

Desirable:

• Demonstrable interest in quantum computing or quantum technology (S&I)
• Experience working in a lab environment, appreciation of safety principles (S&I)
• Understanding of setup and testing considerations for precision electronics and wiring (S&I)
• Programming ability for basic equipment instrumentation, measurements or data analysis (S)

Employee Benefits

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
• Flexible working hours
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme

Link to more benefits:

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here:

Application Guidance

Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!