Head of Quantum

CSA Catapult is the UK’s authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation. We work with start-ups, SMEs, large organisations, and academia to de-risk innovation, remove barriers to market, and accelerate the adoption of compound semiconductor technologies.

If you thrive in a growing organisation, enjoy contributing to diverse projects, and value cross-team collaboration, you’ll fit right in. Our work supports the technologies shaping the future from AI hardware and infrastructure, electric vehicles and satellite communications to remote health monitoring and net zero— compound semiconductor applications offer unrivalled power to help us thrive, connect, and explore.

As a Not‑for‑Profit organisation, we exist to drive UK economic growth. We work across sectors including automotive, medical, digital communications, and aerospace. By bringing together leading expertise and investing in cutting‑edge technology, we bridge the gap between industry and academia to help commercialise innovation and deliver national impact.

We look beyond the status quo and hire for ability and attitude. We value collaboration, innovation and trust and we measure outcomes, and champion diverse perspectives. Diversity, equality, and inclusion are central to who we are, and every role plays a part in upholding these commitments.

As quantum devices evolve rapidly, the limiting factor is no longer physics alone, but the ability to integrate, control, test, and manufacture reliable systems. This role exists to solve this problem at a national scale.

The Head of Quantum is a systems leadership role responsible for the technical leadership, delivery assurance and strategic integration of CSA Catapult’s quantum activities, ensuring programmes are industry-relevant, delivery-focused, value-for-money and aligned to CSA Catapult’s mandate.

The role focuses on system-level integration, architecture, materials-to-device-readiness and industrialisation, enabling coherent delivery across multiple technology domains including RF, photonics (PICs), electronics, packaging, and test.

The Head of Quantum will be responsible for:

• Defining and executing CSA’s quantum technology roadmap (computing, sensing, comms, PNT, defence-relevant systems) whilst ensuring alignment with AI, RF, photonics, and advanced packaging roadmaps
• Leading quantum–classical interface strategy, roadmaps, demonstrators and delivery including testing, verification and qualification
• Quantum sensing, timing, PNT and defence-relevant applications
• Quantum communications and networking (non-theoretical)
• System architectures and Quantum–classical interfaces spanning power, RF, photonics, cryogenic and control electronics, advanced packaging, control electronics, AI-enabled processing and inference where relevant
• Coherent delivery of system-level integration, test, validation and demonstrators
• Acting as CSA’s technical authority for quantum with Government, defence, industry, and partners
• Building a high-credibility, delivery-focused quantum team aligned to Catapult outcomes
• Contributing to future funding bids, programmes and partnerships

The successful candidate will drive quantum focused solutions through the system level integration of a range of technology platforms. The ideal candidate will have:

• Senior technical leadership in complex hardware or system integration
• Direct involvement with at least one of:
• control electronics for advanced hardware systems
• photonic or RF system integration
• advanced packaging and interconnect technologies
• Proven industrialisation and scale-up experience
• Ability to bridge research, engineering, and delivery- experience translating engineering concepts into industry solutions
• Credibility with industry and government stakeholders at a senior level
• Experience in pre-competitive or national infrastructure programmes
• Exposure to multiple quantum platforms, or adjacent deep-tech systems (e.g. photonics, semiconductors, space, defence, advanced instrumentation)
• Track record of building teams that span disciplines and cultures
• International network across quantum and semiconductor ecosystems

• Up…