Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Matchbox; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Q-CTRL is seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer in Sydney to lead ground-up firmware architecture for microcontrollers, FPGA interfaces, and high-reliability platforms. You will own real-time embedded software, navigation-grade sensors, and HIL testing within Sensing R&D, partnering with hardware and software teams.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of hands-on embedded experience, strong Rust (Embassy) or C/C++, and a track record of delivering scalable, field-ready systems.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on embedded software engineering experience.
• Rust (embedded) and async frameworks like Embassy.
• FPGA/SoC integration experience.
• Strong systems design and trade-offs.
• Cross-functional collaboration and reviews.
• Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive Next-Gen Microcontroller Architecture: lead firmware architecture and implementation on microcontrollers using modern embedded frameworks.
• System-Level Technical Ownership: own embedded software and FPGA interfaces across Sensing R&D.
• Lead Embedded Commercial Upgrades: architect firmware for platform integration and high-reliability deployments.
• Design for High Reliability & Qualification: define long-term embedded software roadmap toward higher TRLs.
• Automated Testing & Quality: drive CI/CD, HIL testing, and simulation workflows.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: align with PMs and team leads on technical vision.
• Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship: coach engineers and foster knowledge sharing.

Skills

Embedded Rust

Rust Embassy

Real-time systems

FPGA & SoC

C/C++ bare-metal

System architecture

CI/CD for embedded

Mentorship

Tools

Vivado

Job description

# Staff Embedded Software EngineerQ-CTRLOn-site • SydneyFull-Time / Permanent## Role OverviewAbout the teamThe Sensing R&D team at Q-CTRL transforms quantum research into deployable technologies that address real-world problems. We design, build, and field-validate an array of quantum sensors that support our key products, including Ironstone Opal - our solution for GPS-denied navigation.You don’t need a background in quantum to make an impact here. We value strong engineering fundamentals, a product mindset, and a drive to solve the hardest engineering problems in quantum sensing today.Join Q-CTRL to help turn cutting-edge quantum sensing technology into robust, commercial products that operate in real-world environments. As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer in Sensing R&D, you will drive the technical direction and system architecture for the real-time embedded software, FPGA, and firmware stacks powering our next-generation quantum sensors and navigation platforms.Operating within our cross-functional R&D teams, you will help bridge hardware, firmware, and software interfaces to solve complex integration challenges. You will act as a key technical contributor - remaining close to hands-on execution.You do not need prior experience in quantum technology: we value exceptional engineering fundamentals, systems-thinking, and a drive to build scalable, field-ready productsWhat you’ll be doing* Drive Next-Gen Microcontroller Architecture: Lead the ground-up firmware architecture and implementation on microcontrollers, leveraging modern embedded frameworks (e.g., Rust Embassy) to deliver low-SWaP-C control systems for uncrewed platforms.* System-Level Technical Ownership: Take architectural ownership of critical embedded software and FPGA interfaces across Sensing R&D, delivering solutions that balance performance, maintainability, and delivery timelines.* Lead Embedded Commercial Upgrades: Architect firmware for platform integration, supporting real-time data capture, display interfaces, and high-reliability platform integrations.* Design for High Reliability & Qualification: Define the long-term embedded software roadmap to mature quantum sensing platforms toward higher TRLs, establishing pathways toward flight safety qualification and compliance.* Automated Testing & Quality: Drive continuous integration and automated testing in embedded environments; establish robust CI/CD pipelines, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and simulation workflows to maintain high delivery quality.* Cross-Functional Partnership: Work alongside Product Managers, Team Leads, and other technical contributors to align technical vision with product goals, evaluating trade-offs to ensure execution stays on track without compromising technical integrity.* Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship: Actively coach and mentor engineers across the department, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing to eliminate key-person dependencies.Ideally you’ll have* Department-Level Architectural Leadership: 8+ years of hands-on embedded software engineering experience, with a proven track record of designing, delivering, and maintaining complex real-time systems.* Rust & Modern Systems Programming: Expertise in Rust (specifically embedded Rust and async frameworks like Embassy) or modern C/C++ for bare-metal microcontrollers and RTOS environments.* FPGA & SoC Integration: Practical experience with modern SoC architectures (e.g., Xilinx Zynq / Vivado workflows), combining FPGA logic with high-bandwidth DMA transfers, DSP pipelines, and processor subsystems.* Pragmatic Systems Design: A strong track record of making sensible technical trade-offs—solving complex problems cleanly without over-engineering.* Collaborative Mindset: Strong technical communication skills and a willingness to share knowledge, mentor peers, and engage in constructive design reviews.* Communication Protocols & HIL: Deep knowledge of low-level hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, PCIe, Ethernet/TCP-IP) and hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments.It would be fantastic if you have these skills/experience but not essential:* Familiarity with aerospace, defense, or high-reliability qualification standards (e.g., DO-160, DO-178C, or Safety of Flight / SOF qualification pathways).* Hands-on exposure to precision optical, physical, or sensor-based hardware (e.g., precision temperature control, laser/optical drivers, or signal conditioning).* Experience with SystemVerilog/VHDL logic design or cocotb verification workflows.* Familiarity with Yocto, customized embedded Linux distributions, or kernel driver development.* Experience with uncrewed vehicles (UAVs, UUVs), robotics, or dual-use defense technology.## The Team You'll JoinSensing R&D