Oxford Quantum Circuits
Reading, Berkshire
At OQC, we aren't just theorising about the future; we're building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we've successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we're just getting started and we've recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round - the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe. The Purpose As our Head of IP & Innovation, you'll be OQC's internal authority on intellectual property, shaping how we identify, protect and leverage the innovations and know-how behind our technology. Working at the intersection of science, engineering, legal and commercial strategy, you'll build an IP framework that protects our competitive advantage without slowing innovation, giving our teams the confidence to invent, collaborate and take quantum technology further. Please note that we also welcome candidates who would like to work 4 days per week on a 80% FTE salary basis. The Role This is a high-impact role with significant autonomy and visibility across OQC. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, you'll own the day-to-day management of our IP portfolio and invention pipeline while developing the strategy, governance and culture needed to manage IP effectively as OQC scales globally. You'll work directly with scientists and engineers to uncover potentially valuable inventions, translate complex technical developments into protection strategies, and ensure IP thinking happens early, not after the innovation has happened. Beyond protecting what we create, you'll help OQC understand where our IP can strengthen our competitive position, enable strategic collaborations and potentially unlock new commercial opportunities. What You'll Be Working On Shape OQC's IP strategy: Develop and implement our intellectual property strategy, aligning portfolio decisions and protection priorities with OQC's technology and commercial ambitions. Own our portfolio and invention pipeline: Manage patents, invention disclosures, trade secrets and proprietary know-how, creating robust processes to identify, evaluate, protect and track valuable IP. Get close to the technology: Lead invention and IP workshops with scientists and engineers, translating cutting-edge technical developments into practical protection strategies. Protect our freedom to innovate: Monitor competitor patent activity, oversee freedom-to-operate work and strengthen how we protect confidential information, trade secrets and external technical disclosures. Enable commercial and strategic activity: Advise on IP ownership, licensing and technology rights across customer agreements, research collaborations, strategic partnerships, fundraising, due diligence and international programmes. Build an IP-first culture: Create practical training and guidance covering invention disclosures, confidentiality, publications, open-source software, AI usage, customer demonstrations and confidential information. Scale the IP operating model: Establish governance, SOPs, records, KPIs and reporting across OQC's global operations, while managing external patent attorneys and specialist IP advisers effectively. What We're Looking For Significant hands-on IP experience within technology, deep tech or another complex technical environment, with strong capability across IP strategy, patents, inventions, trade secrets and confidential know-how. A track record of working closely with scientists, engineers or other highly technical specialists to identify innovation and determine the right approach to protection. Experience leading complex IP matters with substantial autonomy, combining technical, legal and commercial considerations to make clear recommendations and knowing when strategic issues require escalation. Evidence that you've built or materially improved IP processes and governance, rather than simply administering an established portfolio. Experience managing external patent attorneys, IP advisers or other specialist advisers, alongside advising internal stakeholders on ownership, licensing, protection and collaboration matters. The ability to understand complex technical information, spot IP implications and communicate them clearly to senior, technical and non-technical audiences. A relevant legal, IP, scientific or technical background - or equivalent practical experience - combined with strong judgement, organisation and the ability to influence across multiple teams and priorities. The 'Nice-to-Haves' Experience with quantum technologies or another deep-tech field such as semiconductors, advanced computing, photonics or advanced engineering. Qualification as a UK and/or European Patent Attorney, solicitor or other relevant IP professional. A degree or equivalent technical background in physics, engineering, computer science or another deep-tech discipline. Experience supporting IP due diligence for fundraising, investment or strategic transactions. Exposure to international IP matters, research collaborations or government-funded programmes. Hands-on experience conducting or coordinating freedom-to-operate assessments. Experience with technology licensing or identifying opportunities to commercially leverage an IP portfolio. Why Join OQC You will join a world-class team at the forefront of the next computational era. We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation. Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here:
At OQC, we aren't just theorising about the future; we're building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we've successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we're just getting started and we've recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round - the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe. The Purpose As our Head of IP & Innovation, you'll be OQC's internal authority on intellectual property, shaping how we identify, protect and leverage the innovations and know-how behind our technology. Working at the intersection of science, engineering, legal and commercial strategy, you'll build an IP framework that protects our competitive advantage without slowing innovation, giving our teams the confidence to invent, collaborate and take quantum technology further. Please note that we also welcome candidates who would like to work 4 days per week on a 80% FTE salary basis. The Role This is a high-impact role with significant autonomy and visibility across OQC. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, you'll own the day-to-day management of our IP portfolio and invention pipeline while developing the strategy, governance and culture needed to manage IP effectively as OQC scales globally. You'll work directly with scientists and engineers to uncover potentially valuable inventions, translate complex technical developments into protection strategies, and ensure IP thinking happens early, not after the innovation has happened. Beyond protecting what we create, you'll help OQC understand where our IP can strengthen our competitive position, enable strategic collaborations and potentially unlock new commercial opportunities. What You'll Be Working On Shape OQC's IP strategy: Develop and implement our intellectual property strategy, aligning portfolio decisions and protection priorities with OQC's technology and commercial ambitions. Own our portfolio and invention pipeline: Manage patents, invention disclosures, trade secrets and proprietary know-how, creating robust processes to identify, evaluate, protect and track valuable IP. Get close to the technology: Lead invention and IP workshops with scientists and engineers, translating cutting-edge technical developments into practical protection strategies. Protect our freedom to innovate: Monitor competitor patent activity, oversee freedom-to-operate work and strengthen how we protect confidential information, trade secrets and external technical disclosures. Enable commercial and strategic activity: Advise on IP ownership, licensing and technology rights across customer agreements, research collaborations, strategic partnerships, fundraising, due diligence and international programmes. Build an IP-first culture: Create practical training and guidance covering invention disclosures, confidentiality, publications, open-source software, AI usage, customer demonstrations and confidential information. Scale the IP operating model: Establish governance, SOPs, records, KPIs and reporting across OQC's global operations, while managing external patent attorneys and specialist IP advisers effectively. What We're Looking For Significant hands-on IP experience within technology, deep tech or another complex technical environment, with strong capability across IP strategy, patents, inventions, trade secrets and confidential know-how. A track record of working closely with scientists, engineers or other highly technical specialists to identify innovation and determine the right approach to protection. Experience leading complex IP matters with substantial autonomy, combining technical, legal and commercial considerations to make clear recommendations and knowing when strategic issues require escalation. Evidence that you've built or materially improved IP processes and governance, rather than simply administering an established portfolio. Experience managing external patent attorneys, IP advisers or other specialist advisers, alongside advising internal stakeholders on ownership, licensing, protection and collaboration matters. The ability to understand complex technical information, spot IP implications and communicate them clearly to senior, technical and non-technical audiences. A relevant legal, IP, scientific or technical background - or equivalent practical experience - combined with strong judgement, organisation and the ability to influence across multiple teams and priorities. The 'Nice-to-Haves' Experience with quantum technologies or another deep-tech field such as semiconductors, advanced computing, photonics or advanced engineering. Qualification as a UK and/or European Patent Attorney, solicitor or other relevant IP professional. A degree or equivalent technical background in physics, engineering, computer science or another deep-tech discipline. Experience supporting IP due diligence for fundraising, investment or strategic transactions. Exposure to international IP matters, research collaborations or government-funded programmes. Hands-on experience conducting or coordinating freedom-to-operate assessments. Experience with technology licensing or identifying opportunities to commercially leverage an IP portfolio. Why Join OQC You will join a world-class team at the forefront of the next computational era. We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation. Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here:
Oxford Quantum Circuits
Reading, Berkshire
At OQC, we aren't just theorising about the future; we're building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we've successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we're just getting started and we've recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round - the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe. The Purpose As our Cleanroom Operations Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day operation of OQC's cleanroom as we scale the manufacture of world-leading quantum technologies. You'll build the operational discipline, team capability and processes that enable safe, reliable and efficient fabrication while supporting the next generation of quantum hardware. The Role Leading a team of engineers and technicians, you'll oversee cleanroom operations, equipment readiness, maintenance planning and operational excellence. Working closely with engineering, quality, facilities, supply chain and programme teams, you'll ensure our fabrication environment operates safely, efficiently and is ready to support increasing production demands. What You'll Be Working On Lead the day-to-day operation of OQC's cleanroom, ensuring resources, equipment and priorities are aligned to fabrication goals. Manage, coach and develop a team of engineers and technicians, supporting performance, capability growth and operational excellence. Coordinate equipment readiness, maintenance, consumables and inventory to maximise uptime and minimise disruption. Monitor operational KPIs, identify delivery risks and drive continuous improvements in reliability, throughput, quality and safety. Maintain robust operational procedures, documentation, SOPs and traceability to support controlled fabrication processes. Collaborate with engineering, facilities, quality, supply chain and programme teams to ensure operational readiness and successful delivery. Support the continued industrialisation of OQC's fabrication capability by improving scheduling, operational controls and team effectiveness. What We're Looking For Experience leading operations within a cleanroom, semiconductor manufacturing, fabrication, production or other critical technical environment. Experience managing or leading engineers, technicians or operational teams, including coaching, task allocation and performance management. Strong experience coordinating production schedules, equipment readiness and maintenance activities in complex technical environments. Experience using operational KPIs to improve reliability, utilisation, throughput and delivery performance. Experience working with SOPs, controlled documentation, traceability requirements and operational processes. Strong planning, stakeholder management and organisational skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities. Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Microelectronics, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Production Management or a related discipline. The 'Nice-to-Haves' Experience supporting industrialisation, production ramp-up or operational excellence programmes. Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Microelectronics, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Production Management or a related discipline.
At OQC, we aren't just theorising about the future; we're building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we've successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we're just getting started and we've recently closed our £260 million Series C funding round - the largest fundraise ever completed by a quantum computing company in Europe. The Purpose As our Cleanroom Operations Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day operation of OQC's cleanroom as we scale the manufacture of world-leading quantum technologies. You'll build the operational discipline, team capability and processes that enable safe, reliable and efficient fabrication while supporting the next generation of quantum hardware. The Role Leading a team of engineers and technicians, you'll oversee cleanroom operations, equipment readiness, maintenance planning and operational excellence. Working closely with engineering, quality, facilities, supply chain and programme teams, you'll ensure our fabrication environment operates safely, efficiently and is ready to support increasing production demands. What You'll Be Working On Lead the day-to-day operation of OQC's cleanroom, ensuring resources, equipment and priorities are aligned to fabrication goals. Manage, coach and develop a team of engineers and technicians, supporting performance, capability growth and operational excellence. Coordinate equipment readiness, maintenance, consumables and inventory to maximise uptime and minimise disruption. Monitor operational KPIs, identify delivery risks and drive continuous improvements in reliability, throughput, quality and safety. Maintain robust operational procedures, documentation, SOPs and traceability to support controlled fabrication processes. Collaborate with engineering, facilities, quality, supply chain and programme teams to ensure operational readiness and successful delivery. Support the continued industrialisation of OQC's fabrication capability by improving scheduling, operational controls and team effectiveness. What We're Looking For Experience leading operations within a cleanroom, semiconductor manufacturing, fabrication, production or other critical technical environment. Experience managing or leading engineers, technicians or operational teams, including coaching, task allocation and performance management. Strong experience coordinating production schedules, equipment readiness and maintenance activities in complex technical environments. Experience using operational KPIs to improve reliability, utilisation, throughput and delivery performance. Experience working with SOPs, controlled documentation, traceability requirements and operational processes. Strong planning, stakeholder management and organisational skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities. Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Microelectronics, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Production Management or a related discipline. The 'Nice-to-Haves' Experience supporting industrialisation, production ramp-up or operational excellence programmes. Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Microelectronics, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Production Management or a related discipline.