From Physics to Quantum Design: Meet OrangeQS’s Nikolia Dessou

Nikolia Dessou moved from Greece to the Netherlands to follow her interest in hands-on, design-focused work. Now a Design Engineer at Orange Quantum Systems, she talks about how she found her place in the quantum world, the importance of a supportive team, and what helped her grow both personally and professionally.

Nikolia Dessou joined Orange Quantum Systems with a background in physics and a master’s in integrated product design. Originally from Greece, she moved to the Netherlands about a year and a half ago to pursue a more hands-on, design-focused career.

Before making the move, Nikolia worked for several years as a physics tutor and STEM instructor. “I wanted to apply my skills in a more hands-on, design-oriented role,” she explains. That desire led her to Orange Quantum Systems, where she now works as a Design Engineer, helping develop and improve the hardware used for quantum testing.

She started at OrangeQS as a trainee, initially designing small components. Over time, she took on more complex projects, including one of her proudest accomplishments: contributing to the design and assembly of OrangeQS Max, the company’s largest system to date. “It was a big moment for me,” she says.

Her transition from trainee to full-time engineer was both exciting and defining.

“When I started as a trainee, I was still exploring where I fit. But early on I discovered that design engineering was what I was looking for. It just clicked.”

Being part of real projects from the beginning gave her the chance to grow quickly and build confidence. “I learned how valuable it is to ask questions and be open to learning,” she says — especially since she came into the role without a formal engineering background. That mindset helped her embrace a steep learning curve and take ownership not just of tasks, but of ideas and improvements. “This transition taught me to take ownership and showed me how essential teamwork and clear communication are.”

Supportive Teams Make the Difference

Entering a male-dominated, highly technical field as a young woman could have been intimidating. But Nikolia says her experience has been “very positive.”

She credits that to the people around her: “From the start, I’ve been surrounded by colleagues who support one another. That helped me build confidence and step into challenges I would’ve hesitated to take on before.”

For Nikolia, the feeling of belonging comes from being part of a team that values different perspectives.

“I also work alongside very smart and dynamic women, whose presence has helped me feel confident and comfortable. That makes a big difference — not just in terms of mentorship, but in creating a sense of belonging.”

That support played a crucial role in helping her grow. It encouraged her to take on challenges she might have avoided in the past and helped her shift focus from self-doubt to growth.  “Over time, I stopped questioning myself so much. I started focusing on how I could improve, how I could contribute.”

Inclusion Beyond Structure

For Nikolia, inclusion isn’t just about policies — it’s about culture. It’s about working in a place where your ideas matter and where you’re lifted up by the people around you.

“Being a woman in this field isn’t a limitation. It’s actually a strength. We bring different perspectives and approaches, and all of that is valuable. That’s what helps me feel like I belong.”

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Moving to a new country, starting her first job in a company, and adjusting to working in English full-time all required her to adapt quickly.

“One of the biggest challenges was stepping into a professional engineering environment for the first time in a different country,” she says.

Learning how to communicate with suppliers, navigate team structures, and understand the full development process was all new. Still, she credits her growth to staying curious and proactive: “Even if the questions were basic, asking them made all the difference.”

Nikolia’s Advice: Don’t Wait

To others just starting out, especially women interested in tech and quantum, her advice is simple but powerful:

“Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. If something excites you, go for it. You’re more capable than you think.”

👉 Interested in meeting quantum professionals who are working towards an inclusive quantum ecosystem? Join us on May 22 for our Annual Symposium!