Principal Mechanical Engineer

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Cambridge, UK

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 25th November 2025 at 5pm

Visa Sponsorship available

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We’re creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems.

We’re working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world-leading companies and academic groups.

About the role

We are looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our small but growing highly collaborative Mechanical Engineering team, to support the development of our novel quantum networking hardware. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead technical workstreams and guide teams spanning mechanical, electronic, optical, nanofabrication, software and physics with their technical solutions.

What you'll be doing

• Leading the design, review, manufacture, inspection and testing of prototypes.

• Design and review of assembly, test and alignment fixtures containing electronic, optical and mechanical elements.
• Define high level system and technical requirements for projects
• Lead technical workstreams, reporting to internal and external stakeholders
• Mentoring and development of team members.
• Integration of optical devices into opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Design of precision components, with tolerances in the µm range.
• Enabling user friendly designs and interfaces for the wider team.
• Developing systems suitable for use in ultra high vacuum (UHV) and cryogenic environments.
• Guiding the wider team within the company to develop technical solutions with your expertise.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant field such as Mechanical Engineering, Physics or Maths.

• Technical expert in developing complex electro-optical-mechanical systems.
• Ability to communicate technical and strategic insights clearly.
• Proficient with 3D CAD modelling.
• Proficient at creating mechanical drawings and documentation for manufacture.
• Ability to collaborate and work with multidisciplinary teams to meet demanding specifications.
• Experience with multiple rapid prototyping techniques.
• Experience using Design for Manufacture and Design for Assembly.

Desirable skills and experience (not required, but beneficial):

• Experience with solidworks CAD.
• Experience with UHV, cryogenic systems and MEMS design.
• Experience with mechanical Finite Element Analysis.
• Experience with Tolerance analysis.
• Experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis. 
• Experience with Thermal, vibration and user design.
• Experience with metrology.

Why work with us?

At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.

Benefits

• Flexible working options

• Group DIS cover (4 x salary)
• 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• On-site gym membership
• Cycle scheme 
• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office.
• 28 days annual leave, including a 3-day company shutdown period + UK Public Holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Enhanced paid family leave policies 
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens