Electronics Engineer

About us

Xen Quantum is building next-generation quantum communication systems based on silicon photonics and a patented architecture, enabling practical and scalable quantum key distribution (QKD). Our technology simplifies implementation and lays the foundation for high-volume manufacturing and real-world deployment.

Position Overview

We're looking for an Electronics Engineer to join as one of our first technical hires to take part in the development of the electronics that underpins our quantum communication systems.

This hands-on role focuses on the design and development of high-speed, FPGA-based data acquisition and control electronics, enabling reliable operation of our hardware. You will play a key role in bringing critical electronics capabilities in-house and establishing long-term internal expertise.

You will work closely with physicists, system engineers, and the founders, with real responsibility and the opportunity to help to shape both the technical architecture and the evolution of the role as the company grows.

What You'll Do

• Design, develop, and test high-speed, FPGA-based data acquisition and control systems for quantum communication prototypes
• Own the electronics subsystem, from requirements definition and architecture through to implementation and validation
• Develop, verify, and debug mixed-signal electronics (digital and analogue) interfacing with photonic and quantum hardware
• Run simulations, perform board bring-up, debug hardware and firmware issues, and iterate rapidly on designs
• Stream and process high-rate data reliably to host systems, working across firmware, embedded software, and system integration
• Document designs and results, and feed learnings back into system-level and product decisions
• Work closely with the wider team to transition from commercial off-the-shelf electronics to custom in-house designs

What We're Looking For

Education & Experience

• BSc, MSc, or equivalent experience in Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field
• Minimum of 2 years' hands-on experience in FPGA development and/or electronic system design. Candidates with a BSc qualification are expected to demonstrate additional experience (typically 4+ years).
• Proven ability to take ownership of technical work and see it through from concept to working hardware

Technical Skills

• Solid experience with FPGA design and development (architecture, simulation, implementation, debugging)
• Experience with high-speed data acquisition or digital signal processing is highly valued
• Embedded programming experience in C
• Python experience for testing, data analysis, and visualisation
• Comfortable working with Linux-based development environments
• Familiarity with version control (Git)
• Strong project management and self-organisation skills, independently planning and executing work while reliably meeting timelines, technical milestones, and other constraints

Nice to Have

• Experience working close to hardware interfaces (ADCs, DACs, clocks, high-speed links)
• PCB design experience (schematic capture, layout, bring-up)
• Experience with mixed-signal or analogue electronics
• Exposure to quantum technologies, photonics, or scientific instrumentation

This is a wish list, not a requirements list – if you have a technical background, are excited about what we're building and want to be part of an early-stage start-up, we want to hear from you.

How You Work

• Comfortable operating in an early-stage startup with evolving requirements
• Hands-on, practical, and not afraid to debug real hardware
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Clear communicator, able to document work and collaborate across disciplines
• Motivated by building things that actually get deployed

Compensation & Benefits

• £40,000 – £60,000 pa, depending on experience
• Company shares options plan
• Enhanced annual leave (25 days + bank holidays)
• Primarily in-person working (in Cambridge, UK), with flexible options where possible
• Early-hire role with genuine scope to grow with – and help shape - the business