Principal Physicist - New Inventions

About the role

Newton Colmore Consulting Ltd is partnering with a leading technology company in Cambridge to recruit a Principal Physicist. You will apply fundamental physics to invent, model, and prototype solutions for some of the toughest challenges in UK defence and security.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the full development cycle from initial investigation and computational modelling to prototype realisation and hand‑over to manufacturing.
• Apply physical principles across diverse domains such as quantum technologies, electromagnetics, semiconductors, optics, acoustics, fluid dynamics, and thermal systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate first‑principles concepts into working hardware and software prototypes.
• Document findings, produce technical reports, and present results to stakeholders.

Required profile

• Proven track record of applying fundamental physics to real‑world challenges.
• Strong academic background (PhD or equivalent) in any physics specialism, experimental or computational.
• Curiosity, rigor, and the ability to move from theory to prototype.
• Experience in any sector – academia, industry, or government – is acceptable.

Required skills

• Quantum technologies (sensing, PNT, computing, communications)
• Electromagnetics (propagation, plasma interactions)
• Semiconductor physics (junction behaviour, logic, thermal effects)
• Optics (imaging, ultrafast lasers, fibre optics)
• Acoustics & sonar (ultrasound, acoustic communications)
• Fluid analysis (particle dispersion, microfluidics, flow)
• Thermal systems (aviation, maritime, materials processes)
• Algorithm design (AI/ML, signal processing, autonomous systems, edge computing)

What we offer

• Tailored salary and benefits package.
• Environment that balances trust, autonomy, guidance and collaboration.
• Mentoring programmes for junior engineers.