Senior Navigation Scientist - Quantum Sensing

Matchbox; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Q-CTRL in Sydney is seeking a Senior Navigation Scientist to enhance GPS-denied navigation using quantum sensors. You will develop robust navigation algorithms, fuse sensor data, and analyze field trials on maritime and airborne platforms. Collaboration with physics and engineering teams is essential.

You will contribute to algorithm development, data analytics, and software in Python, while liaising with academic and industry partners to drive real-world impact in quantum sensing navigation.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent industry experience in physics, engineering, or related field.
• Experience in navigation theory and numerical navigation modelling.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary R&D environments with scientists and engineers.
• Desire to contribute to the future of quantum technology.

Responsibilities

• Develop navigation algorithms and sensor fusion strategies for diverse navigation scenarios.
• Plan, participate in, and analyse field trials on maritime and airborne platforms.
• Translate quantum sensor performance into end-user navigation capabilities.
• Develop, document, and review high-quality Python software.
• Present results to the Quantum Sensing Division and external stakeholders.

Skills

Navigation theory

Sensor fusion

Python

Bayesian methods

Git

Field trials

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Machine learning state estimation

Education

PhD in physics or engineering

PhD or equivalent industry experience

Tools

Python

Git

Job description

# Senior Navigation Scientist - Quantum SensingQ-CTRLHybrid • SydneyFull-Time / Permanent## Role OverviewAbout the teamQ-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 R&D 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 roleWe are seeking a new Senior Navigation Scientist to help improve navigation performance in GPS-denied or contested environments by making the best use of information provided by Q-CTRL’s quantum sensors. You will work closely with experts in quantum sensing to deliver novel navigation capabilities that solve pressing challenges in maritime and aeronautical positioning and navigation. A key focus of the role will be developing robust navigation algorithms that extract the maximum value from our highly sensitive quantum sensors, including methods to suppress magnetic and vibrational noise generated by the host platform. The algorithms, signal processing, automation, and data analytics you develop will inform the design, build, and operation of our quantum sensors for a given navigation end-user or application.What you’ll be doing* 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* Develop new navigation algorithms, sensor fusion strategies, and modeling capability for different navigation scenarios, including those involving unaided dead reckoning and position fixing via gravitational and magnetic map-matching* Plan, participate in, and analyse data from field trials on maritime and airborne platforms to test, validate, and refine our navigation technology in real-world conditions* Translate quantum sensor performance into capabilities that solve pressing challenges for current and prospective navigation end-users and customers (and similarly, identify quantum sensor requirements and concepts of operation for a given navigation application)* Develop, document, and review high-quality software using Python* Share your insights and results 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)* Liaise as needed with our academic and industry partners in order to perform the above duties and support new business and product development.Ideally you’ll have* A PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in physics, engineering, or a closely related discipline* Experience in navigation theory and numerical navigation modelling (e.g. navigation system modelling, navigation signal processing, navigation fusion for alternative navigation systems, quantum sensing for navigation)* Experience working in an interdisciplinary context with R&D scientists and engineers* A strong desire to work with a world leading team and a company that is fundamentally building the future of the quantum technology industryIt would be fantastic if you have these skills/experience but not essential:* Experience communicating technical results to a wide and varied audience* Experience in modern signal processing methods (e.g. Bayesian methods, particle filtering, sequential Monte Carlo methods)* Robotics experience relevant to navigation, such as SLAM, factor-graph estimation, or sensor integration and field trials on autonomous platforms* Experience with machine learning approaches to state estimation, such as deep state-space models, hybrid model-based/learned filters or sequence models* Familiarity with the Python programming language for scientific computing* Familiarity with quantum and/or atomic physics at an undergraduate level* Experience with version control e.g. Git