Engineering Design Apprentice Job at Reading, England, GB Full Time NEW

At OQC, we aren’t just theorising about the future; we’re building it. Born from a philosophy of bold innovation, we’ve successfully transitioned quantum computing from an academic dream into a commercial reality. The most exciting thing is that we’re just getting started.

The Mission

As an Engineering Design Apprentice at OQC, you’ll help bridge the gap between engineering design and real-world manufacturing as we scale the next generation of quantum computing systems. Working within our Engineering Operations and R&D teams, you’ll support the release and lifecycle management of critical design data, ensuring our systems can be built, improved, and deployed reliably across the globe.

This is a hands-on apprenticeship designed for someone curious about engineering, design, manufacturing, and how complex products move from concept into reality.

The Role

You’ll join our Engineering Operations team and work closely with Design Engineers, R&D teams, Supply Chain, Technicians, and Project Management to support the design release process for OQC quantum systems.

This role has a strong focus on design release, product lifecycle management, and manufacturing readiness. You’ll learn how engineering data is captured, controlled, and released into production environments — helping ensure our systems are scalable, manufacturable, and continuously improving.

Alongside your day-to-day work, you’ll complete your apprenticeship qualification through our partnered training provider, University Centre Newbury.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Supporting the management and maintenance of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and engineering documentation
• Assisting with design release and change control processes to ensure manufacturing data accuracy
• Supporting Design Engineers with CAD activities, including 3D models and assembly drawings using SOLIDWORKS
• Helping capture and manage “design for build” updates from R&D and engineering teams
• Supporting lifecycle management processes as products move from concept through to manufacture and deployment
• Assisting with light project coordination activities and rollout support across engineering projects
• Working cross-functionally with Design, R&D, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Technicians, and Project teams to improve processes and product quality

What We’re Looking For

• A genuine interest in engineering, manufacturing, design, or how products are built
• Studying STEM-related subjects such as Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Design Technology, or similar
• Predicted or achieved A-Level grades of C or above in relevant STEM subjects, or equivalent Level 3/BTEC qualifications
• Some exposure to CAD tools or technical design work
• Strong attention to detail and an eagerness to learn
• Curious, proactive, and comfortable asking questions and working with different teams
• Able to communicate clearly and work collaboratively in a team environment
• Enthusiasm for hands-on projects, building things, 3D printing, electronics, mechanical projects, or similar extracurricular interests

The ‘Nice-to-Haves’

• Experience using SOLIDWORKS or similar CAD software
• Exposure to engineering projects through school, hobbies, clubs, or personal projects
• Awareness of manufacturing, assembly, or product lifecycle processes
• Interest in project management or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience working on collaborative or team-based technical projects

Why Join OQC

You will join a world-class team at the forefront of the next computational era. We offer a culture of bold innovation, the chance to work with unique lab infrastructure, and the opportunity to see your work redefine the limits of computation.

This apprenticeship offers exposure to the full engineering lifecycle within a cutting-edge quantum technology company. You’ll gain practical experience across design, manufacturing, product release, and engineering operations while completing your degree-level qualification.

Successful apprentices may progress into future roles such as:

• Design Release Engineer
• Mechanical Design Engineer
• Project Manager

Learn more about our benefits and positive work culture here: https://oqc.tech/company/careers-at-oqc/