Quantum Computing Specialist

Job Description

Quantum Computing Specialist

Derby - Hybrid (3 days a week on-site)

37 hours per week

An exciting opportunity has opened for 2 Quantum Computing Specialists to join the Future Technology team within the Rolls-Royce R&T organisation based in Derby.

A Quantum Chemistry role where the focus will be on electronic structure calculations using Hamiltonian evolution and mesoscale optimisation of material properties.

The other focus will be for a Quantum Linear Equation Solver where the focus will be on new state and matrix loading oracles that achieve polylogarithmic scaling; solution state reconstruction; and solving time-dependent PDEs.

What you will be doing

The team aims to radically transform RR Engineering methods and software applying these to emerging novel products & services. The potential of quantum computing to disrupt the way businesses design their products will only be possible with robust engineering applications. The successful candidates will join Rolls-Royce at the outset of its journey of disruption with multiple opportunities to shape our future methods and software; and to interact with technical experts inside and outside the Company. Areas of interest include Linear equation solvers & Partial Differential Equations Material Chemistry and crystallographic structures and Optimisation but are not restricted to these.

In this role you will be part of a dynamic agile and creative team directly reporting to the Chief of Future Methods. You will lead and support state-of-the-art research programmes with quantum computing companies universities and government research laboratories. You will develop quantum computational science methods as part of future multi-physics simulation capabilities developing algorithms and codes to utilise quantum processors.

Both roles will focus on error-corrected algorithms and develop practical applications that can be run in emulation in advance of using physical devices.

For Quantum Chemistry the focus will be on electronic structure calculations using Hamiltonian evolution and mesoscale optimisation of material properties.

For Quantum Linear Equation Solvers the focus will be on new state and matrix loading oracles that achieve polylogarithmic scaling; solution state reconstruction; and solving time-dependent PDEs.

We expect there to be many crossovers in the algorithms being developed and for the two roles to work closely together and with the rest of the team. Both will involve hybrid classical-quantum algorithms and the use of high-performance computers for larger test cases.

This will include a propensity to influence RR to adopt these methods and support their wider commercialisation as appropriate. As such the role offers the opportunity to work with a broad and complex stakeholder community both internal and external.

You may also take part in technology horizon scanning and identify and assess emerging computation technologies.

Why Rolls-Royce

Work with us and well welcome you into a culture of caring and belonging where you can be yourself. We will listen first embrace feedback and act with integrity. We will invest in your continuous learning and development and make sure you have access to a wide breadth and depth of opportunities to grow your career and make a difference.

We offer excellent development a competitive salary and exceptional benefits. These include bonus employee support assistance and employee discounts.

Hybrid working is a way in which our people can balance their time between the office home or another remote location. Its a locally managed and flexed informal discretionary arrangement. As a minimum were all expected to attend the workplace for collaboration and other specific reasons frequency will depend on business needs nature of role what works for the team and for the individual. Discover more on our GBS Service Portal about hybrid working.

Who were looking for

Being a part of Rolls-Royce youll know we put safety first do the right thing keep it simple and make a difference. These principles form our behaviours. They are an essential component of our assessment process and are fundamental qualities that we seek for all roles.

You will bring a genuine passion and curiosity for technology and computational science with a strong interest in how innovation can positively impact our world. You will be self-directed ambitious resilient with an open mind set and the ability to work effectively with others.

Essential Skills:

• A degree in Physics Mathematics or equivalent qualification.
• A sound understanding of quantum information and postgraduate experience in computational science or a strong knowledge of classical linear algebra.
• Experience using and implementing quantum computing algorithms including development with one or more development environments; PennyLane Qiskit Classiq Quest or similar.
• Proficiency in Python
• Strong consultancy skills with the ability to engage effectively with domain experts academics start-ups and technology vendors globally.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate with non-quantum computing specialists including seniors within Rolls-Royce.

• For the Quantum Chemistry role knowledge and experience of Quantum Phase Estimation is beneficial as are standard Quantum Chemistry techniques such as Density Functional Theory.
• For the Quantum Linear Equation Solver knowledge and experience of the Quantum Singular Value Transformation and the Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd algorithm is beneficial.

Desirable

• Experience in C/C
• Experience of parallel programming for high performance computing.
• Experience of simulation and modelling and/or machine learning for engineering.
• Knowledge of state loading matrix encoding amplitude amplification and measurement operators

Join us & help Rolls-Royce to become a high-performing competitive resilient business.

Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk.

The professional level and salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate but is anticipated to be Staff Grade SNBG 07-10

This job is advertised at the grades shown and this is the desired operating level for this role. We encourage applications from candidates with relevant experience from any grade

It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.

We are an equal opportunities employer. Were committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive working environment. We believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures give us different perspectives. And the more perspectives we have the more successful well be. By building a culture of respect and appreciation we give everyone who works here the opportunity to realise their full potential.

Learn more about our global Inclusion Strategy

Grade: SNBG 7-10

Closing Date: 10th October 2025

For further information please contact:

Recruiter: Ashley Ellis-Beeston

Hiring Leads: Tony Phipps or Jarrett Smalley

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