Lead Quantum Sensing Scientist - Atom Interferometry

Q-Ctrl; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Q-CTRL is seeking a technical leader for experimental science work on atom-interferometry based quantum sensors. The role focuses on reducing scientific risk across a broad range of novel techniques to improve sensor performance and robustness for fieldable systems.

You will collaborate with experimental physicists, quantum control engineers, and sensor hardware specialists to implement quantum control protocols and analyze next-generation sensors, contributing to real-world impact.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Experience developing and operating cold-atom interferometry hardware.
• Knowledge of handling systematics and extracting signals from atom interferometers.
• Experience operating quantum sensors, automation and data fusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental science work on atom-interferometry based quantum sensors.
• Reduce scientific risk across novel techniques to improve sensor performance.
• Collaborate with experimental physicists, engineers and hardware specialists to implement quantum control on real hardware.
• Contribute to development, operation and analysis of next-generation atom interferometer sensors for maximum sensitivity and robustness.
• Help prepare lab systems for fielded environments and work with engineering teams to reduce SWaP and ruggedize hardware.

Skills

Cold-atom interferometry

Quantum sensing operations

Automation & data fusion

Cross-team collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics/Engineering

Tools

Python

Job description

About The Team

Q-CTRL’s Quantum Sensing Research team performs basic and applied research in quantum sensing and quantum-enabled navigation. It is a highly dynamic team comprising approximately 30 specialists in theoretical and experimental atomic physics, cold-atom interferometry, navigation modeling, and modern Bayesian estimation and signal processing techniques.

About The Team

Q-CTRL’s Quantum Sensing Research team performs basic and applied research in quantum sensing and quantum-enabled navigation. It is a highly dynamic team comprising approximately 30 specialists in theoretical and experimental atomic physics, cold-atom interferometry, navigation modeling, and modern Bayesian estimation and signal processing techniques. The Quantum Sensing Research and Quantum Sensing Engineering teams work closely together, translating novel quantum sensing research into a useful capability and product. We are focussed on pushing the boundary of what is possible in quantum sensing and ensuring our R&D has real-world impact.

About The Role

This role will provide critical technical leadership for experimental science work on Q-CTRL’s atom-interferometry based quantum sensors. This position will be focussed on reducing scientific risk across a broad range of novel techniques that aim to improve state-of-the art quantum sensor performance.

Additionally, you will contribute to the efficient and effective functioning of Q-CTRL. This will sometimes include helping out regardless of boundaries of responsibility to help us achieve our mission of making quantum technology useful.

What you'll be doing:

• You will be part of an established and growing team focused on quantum sensing for a variety of industry sectors such as Aerospace, Defence, geophysical exploration and Earth observation
• Work closely with our experimental physicists, quantum control engineers, and sensor hardware specialists to implement quantum control protocols on real quantum sensor hardware
• Assisting with development, operation and analysis of next-generation atom interferometer based quantum sensors to achieve maximum sensitivity and robustness for various applications
• Work with the Quantum Sensing Engineering teams to reduce SWaP and increase ruggedness of lab-based systems used to operate next generation quantum sensors and prepare them for fielded environments
• Collaborate with your colleagues in the Quantum Sensing Research Division, the Quantum Sensing Engineering Division, and the company more broadly
• Share your insights into control-augmented quantum sensing with the broader Quantum Sensing Division, company, external stakeholders and customers through verbal presentations and written outlets (e.g. academic publications, technical reports, blog posts)
• Other duties within the Employee's skills and experience, or with reasonable training

Ideally you'll have:

• A PhD in Physics, Engineering or a closely related discipline
• Experimental experience developing and operating cold-atom interferometry hardware
• Knowledge of handling systematics and optimal signal extraction from atom interferometers
• Experience in quantum sensor operation, automation and data fusion
• Finally, you will have a strong desire to work with a world leading team and a company that is fundamentally building the future of the quantum technology industry

Bonus points if you have (but not essential):

• Experience operating atom interferometers outside of laboratory environments in transportable or mobile configurations
• An understanding of dominant performance limits in fieldable systems
• Expertise with Python programming language for scientific computing

About Q-CTRL

Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real-world impact.

Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, and Oxford. Our teams bring together technical and multi-disciplinary expertise across the product lifecycle, and we’re hiring talent to help scale every part of the business. We work quickly to turn cutting-edge science into deployable technology.

In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company. Six months later we delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field-validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.

At Q-CTRL, we prioritize outcomes over hours. We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high-performance culture. If you’re ready to help shape the future of quantum, we’d love to hear from you!

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.