Technical Manager

The Technical Manager provides specialist technical expertise for the development, operation and improvement of the systems that underpin QLE’s proprietary Quantum Enrichment (QE) technology. Reporting to the Head of Engineering, the role is expected to provide clear progress updates, escalate risks and issues promptly, and seek direction where needed, while taking responsibility for day-to-day technical delivery with a high degree of initiative and independence. The role contributes specialist expertise to laser, optical and controls-related activity, helping to ensure complex technical systems are delivered, integrated and operated reliably. It supports the scale-up of QE processes from bench to pilot scale, shares technical knowledge with junior engineers and physicists, and helps translate scientific data into robust engineering requirements. This ​is a hybrid role, with frequent travel to various UK ​locations.

Responsibilities

• Designs, sets up and independently operates laser systems for QE isotope separation, including tunable lasers, beam delivery and diagnostic equipment, to achieve precise, isotope-selective ionisation.
• Specifies, integrates and troubleshoots the control systems, sensors, actuators and data-acquisition equipment that automate laser and optical processes, working closely with the controls and process engineering teams to move towards unattended ("lights-off") operation.
• Plans and executes experiments and test campaigns, analysing efficiency, selectivity and yield data to optimise laser performance and process parameters.
• Leads troubleshooting and root-cause investigations for laser, optical and control equipment issues, implementing corrective actions to improve reliability and performance.
• Provides specialist technical expertise for laser, optical and control-related activity, sharing technical knowledge and supporting junior physicists and engineers, while collaborating closely with process, mechanical and controls engineers to integrate laser systems into the wider enrichment design.

Legal & Compliance Notice
Regulatory & Export Control Notice
Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) conducts business in the nuclear technology and advanced materials sectors, which are subject to strict export control, non-proliferation, and national security regulations.

Employment with QLE may require compliance with one or more of the following regulatory frameworks, depending on work location and role scope:
United States: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
United Kingdom: Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and UK Strategic Export Control regulations administered by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU).
South Africa: National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and Non-Proliferation Council regulations under the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Act.

QLE complies with all relevant national and international export control, non-proliferation, and security requirements in every jurisdiction in which it operates.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Quantum Leap Energy (QLE) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience in the design, build, commissioning, troubleshooting and optimization of complex laser, optical, instrumentation or control systems, ideally in a regulated engineering or scientific environment.
• Experience working with universities, specialist contractors or external technical partners and contributing to the management of requirements, interfaces and technical delivery would be advantageous.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Strong initiative and independent problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills, applied confidently to both optical and control/automation issues.
• Meticulous attention to detail and rigor in experimental design, data analysis and documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across a multidisciplinary engineering and scientific team.
• Commitment to nuclear safety and an awareness of good engineering practice in a regulated environment, including attention to document quality, configuration control, and controlled technical information.
• Able to work effectively with universities, specialist contractors and suppliers while representing the client organization, contributing to technical requirements, interfaces and delivery expectations within established engineering standards.
• Able to work independently with a high degree of initiative on complex technical activities, providing clear updates and escalating risks, significant technical decisions or sensitive issues to senior engineering leadership when needed.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Physics, Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Mechanical, Control, Electrical), or a closely related discipline; an MEng or PhD would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary aligned to global compensation bands and local market data.
• Bonus eligibility: Target % based on level and impact.
• Equity participation: Reflecting your contribution to QLE’s long-term success.
• Comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for global mobility across US, UK, and ZA operations.