Head of Design Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design Engineering

Company: Oxford Quantum Circuits

Location: Reading, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-04-30

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design, analysis, prototyping, and manufacturing of critical quantum computing hardware components.

• Establish and own the design release function, defining scalable processes and implementing necessary tooling for seamless integration.

• Drive supplier strategy, including sourcing, performance management, and ensuring continuity of supply for essential components.

• Manage project delivery for engineering initiatives, tracking progress, and providing real-time insights and actionable recommendations to senior leadership.

• Foster a high-performing Design Engineering team, focusing on continuous development and delivery of high-quality engineering solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership position within Design Engineering, with significant operational responsibilities. The emphasis on "design release function," "supplier strategy," "project delivery," and "BOM ownership" indicates a strong need for operational rigor, process optimization, and cross-functional integration, aligning it closely with Revenue Operations (RevOps) or broader GTM Operations principles in terms of driving efficiency and scalability for product delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Design Engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in quantum computing hardware development.

• Oversee the complete design lifecycle, from initial concept and analysis through prototyping and manufacturing, leveraging both internal and external capabilities.

• Define, implement, and continuously improve the design release process across the entire quantum computing stack, ensuring robust documentation and traceability.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive supplier strategy, encompassing sourcing new vendors, managing existing supplier performance, and ensuring reliable supply chains for critical components.

• Manage multiple engineering projects concurrently, meticulously tracking progress, forecasting timelines, and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs) to senior leadership.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, developing contingency plans and providing clear, actionable recommendations to maintain project momentum and achieve objectives.

• Take ownership of Bill of Materials (BOM) management, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and effective cross-functional coordination to support timely design releases aligned with the company's technology roadmap.

• Collaborate closely with Science, Engineering, and Operations teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, scalable, and meet all performance and quality requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the Design Engineering function, focusing on process optimization, efficiency gains, and the adoption of best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of people management, technical oversight, and crucial operational functions like supplier management and BOM ownership. This suggests the need for an individual who can not only lead technically but also operationalize processes to ensure predictable and efficient hardware development and delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in an Engineering, Manufacturing, or closely related technical discipline.

Experience: Proven track record of at least 10 years in engineering or technical project leadership roles, with a significant portion involving end-to-end project delivery.

Required Skills:

• Design Engineering Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop engineering teams, driving technical excellence and innovation in hardware development.

• Project Management: Strong experience in managing complex, cross-functional technical projects from inception through completion, with a focus on scope, timeline, and budget.

• Manufacturing & Prototyping: Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and prototyping techniques relevant to advanced technology hardware.

• Supplier Management: Proven experience in sourcing, evaluating, negotiating with, and managing external suppliers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and continuity of supply.

• Budget Management: Demonstrated ability to manage budgets typically in the £2m–£6m range, including forecasting, tracking expenditures, and ensuring financial accountability.

• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks, with a structured approach to developing and implementing mitigation strategies.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including scientists, engineers, operations, and procurement, fostering strong working relationships.

• Communication & Influencing: Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and gain buy-in from both technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels.

• BOM Management: Experience in owning and managing Bills of Materials, ensuring accuracy and integration with design release processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience presenting complex technical information and project updates to executive leadership and external customers.

• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly in supporting design release and BOM management workflows.

• Negotiation and mediation skills to effectively manage stakeholder expectations and resolve conflicts.

• Leadership or Health & Safety qualifications, demonstrating a commitment to workplace safety and effective team management.

• Experience within the quantum computing or advanced physics/electronics sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (10+ years) and the emphasis on budget, supplier, and risk management point towards a senior operational leadership role. The "Nice-to-Haves" like PLM/ERP experience are critical for any role managing complex product release cycles, which directly impacts GTM readiness and operational efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Process Design & Optimization: Showcase examples of designing, documenting, and optimizing engineering workflows and product release processes, demonstrating improvements in efficiency, speed, or quality.

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of complex engineering projects led from concept to completion, highlighting your role in planning, execution, risk mitigation, and successful delivery.

• Supplier Strategy & Management: Include examples of developing and implementing supplier strategies, including vendor selection, performance management, and ensuring supply chain resilience for critical components.

• Budget Management & ROI: Demonstrate instances of managing significant engineering budgets (£2m-£6m), with clear articulation of cost savings achieved or return on investment (ROI) generated through effective project and resource management.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide evidence of creating clear, concise, and actionable process documentation for engineering workflows, design release procedures, and cross-functional collaboration protocols.

• Implementation & Automation: Showcase experience in implementing new processes or tools, with a focus on driving automation where applicable to enhance efficiency and reduce manual effort in design and release cycles.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you have established metrics and reporting mechanisms to track the performance of engineering processes, analyze outcomes, and identify areas for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Head of Design Engineering with strong operational responsibilities, a portfolio demonstrating process ownership and optimization is paramount. It should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to operationalize technical development, ensuring predictable outcomes that align with broader business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Head of Design Engineering roles in the UK with 10+ years of experience and significant budget management responsibilities, the estimated salary range is £80,000 - £120,000 per annum.

📝 Enhancement Note: This estimate is derived from research on similar senior engineering leadership roles in the UK technology sector, considering the specified budget management range (£2m-£6m) and the specialized nature of quantum computing. Actual compensation may vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and dependents.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including annual leave and public holidays.

• Pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Stock options or equity participation (potential, depending on company policy).

• Access to state-of-the-art lab infrastructure and unique research opportunities.

• Vibrant and collaborative work culture focused on innovation and scientific advancement.

• Potential for hybrid work arrangements, offering flexibility.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, specific on-site days will be required for team collaboration and lab access, with flexibility expected to meet project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits are tailored to attract and retain senior talent in a high-growth, specialized technology company, emphasizing professional growth and work-life balance where possible within a hybrid framework.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Quantum Computing / Advanced Technology Hardware. Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) is a pioneering company in the quantum computing sector, aiming to commercialize quantum technology. This industry is characterized by rapid innovation, high R&D investment, and a strong focus on scientific breakthroughs and engineering excellence.

Company Size: OQC is a growing company, likely falling into the Small to Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) category, with a dedicated team of scientists, engineers, and operational staff. This size offers opportunities for significant impact and direct influence on company direction.

Founded: OQC was founded in 2017. Its relatively recent founding means it operates with a startup-like agility and a forward-thinking mindset, while having achieved significant commercial milestones.

Team Structure:

• The Design Engineering team likely operates as a core function within the broader Engineering or R&D department.

• This role reports to a senior leader, potentially the CTO, VP of Engineering, or Head of R&D.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data from experiments, simulations, and project performance to inform design choices and process improvements.

• Iterative Development: A common approach in advanced technology, involving cycles of design, build, test, and refinement to achieve optimal performance.

• Agile Project Management: While not explicitly stated, the fast-paced nature of the industry and the need for rapid iteration suggest adoption of agile or hybrid methodologies for project execution.

Company Website: https://oqc.tech/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding OQC's position as a commercial quantum computing firm is crucial. The "Head of Design Engineering" role here is not just about product design but about operationalizing the entire hardware development pipeline in a cutting-edge, R&D-intensive environment. This requires a blend of technical leadership and operational rigor.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or VP level within a specialized engineering function. It requires extensive experience in managing technical teams, complex projects, significant budgets, and external vendor relationships. The role is pivotal in translating scientific innovation into manufacturable products.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design Engineering will report directly to a C-suite executive or a VP-level leader, such as the CTO or VP of Engineering. They will, in turn, manage a team of Design Engineers and potentially project leads.

Operations Impact: The success of this role directly impacts OQC's ability to deliver its quantum computing hardware roadmap. Efficient design processes, robust manufacturing capabilities, and reliable supply chains are critical for meeting customer commitments, securing further investment, and achieving commercial success in the competitive quantum computing market. This role ensures that the company's technological advancements can be reliably produced and scaled.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Potential to shape the future of hardware development at OQC, influencing technology strategy and operational processes.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in quantum computing hardware design and advanced manufacturing techniques.

• Organizational Growth: As OQC scales, opportunities may arise to expand the Design Engineering function, lead larger teams, or take on broader operational responsibilities.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to setting standards and best practices in a nascent, high-growth industry.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Develop broader business acumen by working closely with R&D, Sales, Operations, and Executive Management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for this role is significant, moving beyond pure technical management into strategic operational leadership within a groundbreaking industry. It offers a unique chance to build and scale a critical function from the ground up.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: OQC operates a hybrid work model. This means employees will spend a portion of their week working remotely and a portion on-site at their Reading facility. The on-site environment is crucial for hands-on work, collaboration, and access to specialized lab equipment.

Office Location(s): The primary office and laboratory facility is located in Reading, England, United Kingdom. This location provides access to a skilled workforce and is within a hub for technology and research.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared office spaces, and access to laboratory facilities where engineers can work together on hardware.

• State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Access to unique lab infrastructure and advanced equipment is a key feature of working at OQC, essential for quantum computing development.

• Cross-functional Interaction: The hybrid model and OQC's focus on innovation encourage frequent interaction between Design Engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations personnel.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the nature of cutting-edge R&D and hardware development may require flexibility to meet critical project deadlines, especially during prototype builds or critical design releases. The hybrid setup aims to balance this with personal flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is standard, but the emphasis on "unique lab infrastructure" and "hands-on work" means the on-site component is non-negotiable and critical for the core functions of this role. This isn't a purely remote-friendly design role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements, focusing on leadership experience, technical background, and operational management skills.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely CTO or VP of Engineering) to delve deeper into your leadership style, project management experience, budget management, and understanding of hardware development lifecycles. Be prepared to discuss specific project examples.

3. Technical & Portfolio Review: This stage will involve presenting your portfolio. Expect detailed questions about the processes you've implemented, the challenges you've overcome, your approach to supplier management, and how you've driven efficiency and quality in previous roles. You may be asked to walk through a specific case study in detail.

4. Team/Cross-functional Interview: You will likely meet with key stakeholders from Science, Engineering, and Operations to assess your collaborative approach, communication skills, and cultural fit within the OQC team.

5. Final Interview: A final discussion with senior leadership to confirm alignment with the company's strategic vision and long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process & Impact: Structure your portfolio around key processes you've owned or significantly improved (e.g., design release, supplier onboarding, risk management). Quantify the impact of your work with metrics – e.g., % reduction in lead time, % cost savings, improvement in defect rates.

• Case Study Depth: For project case studies, clearly define the problem, your proposed solution, the actions you took, the challenges encountered, and the final outcome. Emphasize your leadership role and the operational aspects of the project.

• Quantify Budget Management: Be ready to discuss specific budget sizes you've managed and how you ensured financial discipline and value for money.

• Supplier Strategy Articulation: Explain your approach to building and managing supplier relationships, including how you select vendors, monitor performance, and ensure supply chain resilience.

• Company Alignment: Research OQC's current projects and technology roadmap. Tailor your portfolio examples to highlight experiences relevant to their specific challenges and opportunities in quantum computing hardware.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Design Challenge: You might be given a hypothetical scenario (e.g., a bottleneck in a design release process) and asked to outline your approach to diagnosing the issue, proposing solutions, and implementing them.

• Stakeholder Management Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle conflicting priorities between R&D and Operations, or manage a difficult supplier negotiation.

• Risk Mitigation Strategy: You may be asked to outline a risk management plan for a complex hardware development project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "design release function" and "supplier strategy" means your portfolio should heavily feature process documentation, workflow diagrams, and case studies demonstrating your ability to operationalize engineering development, not just manage technical tasks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) for design and modeling.

• FEA/CFD Software: Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools for design validation and simulation.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar for tracking project timelines, tasks, and resources.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Outlook) or Google Workspace for day-to-day communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, budgeting, and reporting.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for creating dashboards and visualizing project performance data is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• PLM/ERP Systems: Knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Arena, PTC Windchill) is highly desirable for managing design releases and BOMs.

• Procurement/Sourcing Tools: Experience with tools or platforms used for supplier sourcing, RFQ management, and procurement processes.

• Integration Tools: Understanding of how different systems (CAD, PLM, ERP, Project Management) integrate to streamline workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly listed, experience with PLM and ERP systems is highlighted as a "nice-to-have" but is critical for managing the "design release function" and "BOM ownership." Candidates should emphasize any experience in this area.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Boldness: OQC fosters a culture of pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in quantum computing. Operations must support this by enabling rapid iteration and embracing novel solutions.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to high standards in both scientific discovery and engineering execution is paramount. Operations play a key role in ensuring quality and reliability in hardware development.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Success in quantum computing requires seamless integration between diverse teams (science, engineering, operations). A collaborative spirit is essential.

• Efficiency & Scalability: As OQC commercializes its technology, operational processes must be efficient, repeatable, and scalable to meet growing demand.

• Data-Driven Approach: Decisions at all levels, including operations, are expected to be informed by data and rigorous analysis.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close working relationships with scientists, various engineering disciplines, and the operations team responsible for manufacturing and supply chain. Collaboration will be key to translating complex scientific concepts into manufacturable hardware.

• Process-Oriented Dialogue: Discussions will often revolve around improving workflows, ensuring design for manufacturability, and optimizing the supply chain.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open feedback, constructive criticism, and knowledge sharing to drive continuous improvement and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of cutting-edge innovation and the practical execution needed to bring that innovation to market. Operations professionals must be comfortable with both the scientific ambition and the need for rigorous, scalable processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Nascent Industry Dynamics: Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of quantum computing, where technologies, standards, and best practices are still being established.

• Complex Hardware Development: Managing the intricate design and manufacturing processes for highly specialized quantum computing hardware, which may involve novel materials and cryogenic environments.

• Supply Chain Maturity: Developing and managing supply chains for components that may be unique, custom-designed, or have limited suppliers.

• Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Ensuring that the drive for scientific breakthroughs is balanced with the need for robust, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Achieving and maintaining alignment across highly specialized scientific and engineering teams with different priorities and timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Quantum Technologies: Gaining in-depth knowledge of quantum computing principles and hardware architectures.

• Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing processes and technologies relevant to quantum systems.

• Strategic Operations Leadership: Developing skills in strategic planning, organizational design, and scaling operational functions within a high-growth tech company.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend key industry events to stay abreast of advancements and connect with peers.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within OQC or the broader quantum computing ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the chance to tackle unique challenges at the forefront of technological innovation, providing significant opportunities for professional growth in both technical and strategic operational domains.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to establishing a design release process from scratch. What are the key stages, documentation requirements, and stakeholder involvement?" (Focus on process mapping, RACI charts, and validation steps).

• "How would you build and manage a supplier strategy for critical quantum computing components, considering potential supply chain risks?" (Highlight vendor selection criteria, performance metrics, risk mitigation, and contingency planning).

• "Walk me through a complex engineering project you led from concept to completion. What were the biggest operational challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize your project management methodology, problem-solving, and leadership in overcoming obstacles).

• "How do you ensure alignment and effective communication between R&D/Science teams and manufacturing/operations teams?" (Discuss stakeholder management, clear communication channels, and shared KPIs).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Oxford Quantum Circuits and the quantum computing industry?" (Showcase your research into OQC's mission, technology, and place in the market).

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation within an engineering team while also ensuring rigorous process adherence?" (Discuss balancing creativity with structure, empowering teams, and continuous improvement).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure by Process/Impact: Organize your presentation around key operational processes you've managed or improved (e.g., Design Release, Supplier Management, Project Lifecycle, Budget Oversight).

• Quantify Everything: For each example, clearly state the problem, your actions, and the measurable results (e.g., "Reduced design-to-manufacture lead time by 20%," "Achieved 15% cost savings through strategic supplier negotiation," "Managed a £4M budget with 98% adherence").

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, flowcharts, and graphs to illustrate processes, project timelines, and performance data.

• Tell a Story: For case studies, frame your experiences as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving abilities, leadership, and operational acumen.

• Focus on OQC's Needs: Connect your experience directly to the requirements of the Head of Design Engineering role at OQC, emphasizing your ability to operationalize hardware development in a cutting-edge field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your ability to operationalize engineering, particularly concerning design release, supplier management, and budget control. Your portfolio and prepared examples should strongly reflect these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight leadership experience, specific achievements in project management, budget oversight (£2m-£6m range), supplier management, and process implementation/optimization. Use keywords like "Design Engineering," "Project Delivery," "Manufacturing," "BOM Management," and "Supplier Strategy."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples that demonstrate your ability to design, implement, and manage critical engineering processes, particularly for product release and supplier relations. Focus on quantifiable results.

• Research OQC: Understand their mission, technology, market position, and recent achievements. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their innovative culture and specific challenges.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and discussing your experience using the STAR method, focusing on operational impact and leadership in technical environments.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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