Lead Instrumentation

SBQuantum; Sherbrooke; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge startup is seeking an Instrumentation Lead to spearhead the testing and deployment of their quantum magnetometer technology. This role involves developing test protocols, mentoring a team, and collaborating with physicists and engineers to validate new sensing modalities. Strong leadership and sensor debugging skills are essential. Competitive salary and equity offered, along with the chance to shape technology in a transformative field.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Meaningful equity

Flexible work environment

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong experience in sensor debugging, characterization and deployment in harsh contexts.
• Ability to validate the behaviour of algorithms based on physics and scientific principles.
• Experience diving through complex data to inform future tests.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and evolution of test protocols for quantum magnetometer products.
• Develop and execute test plans for both passive and active sensing modes.
• Mentor teammates to enhance testing quality and consistency.

Skills

Sensor debugging

Data analysis

Algorithm validation

Leadership

Collaboration

Tools

Python

Job description

About Us

SBQuantum is a seed-stage startup at the forefront of magnetic sensing innovation. Our vision is to unlock the full potential of magnetic intelligence through our proprietary quantum diamond magnetometer technology.

By combining diamond‑based quantum sensors with AI‑driven algorithms, we transform complex magnetic field data into actionable, high‑value insights. Our solutions enable accurate magnetic mapping and object detection in environments where traditional sensing technologies like GPS, radar, imagery, or sonar cannot perform.

From public safety and defence to space exploration, our multidisciplinary team of engineers, physicists, and data scientists is redefining how the world perceives magnetic signals, turning invisible complexity into clear, useful intelligence.

Why Join Us

We’re a small, fast‑moving, and ambitious team building something truly transformative. At SBQuantum, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Shape cutting‑edge quantum sensing technology from the ground up.
• Collaborate with passionate experts across physics, data science, and engineering.
• Contribute directly to solving real‑world challenges in public safety and aerospace.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a proactive, driven team member with experience in startups and/or the public safety sector with strong leadership skills to lead testing and field deployment of our magnetometer product. In this role, you’ll own functional validation of our new Quantum Magnetic Intelligence Backpack, define improvement opportunities, and shape the roadmap for new features based on real operational use.

If you thrive in fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environments and enjoy tackling hard problems with real‑world impact, we’d love to meet you.

The Role

As Instrumentation Lead, you’ll play a critical role in designing and evolving test protocols for both a mature product and emerging sensor capabilities, including new sensing modalities. You’ll lead a team of physicists and robotic engineers to own end‑to‑end test programs to detect and classify a range of object types, applying a rigorous, practical mindset to ensure scenarios reflect real‑world operating conditions.

You’ll also help establish best practices, define clear success metrics for each test program, and mentor teammates to raise the bar on testing quality and consistency.

What You’ll Do

• Transition quantum deeptech from our labs to real‑world scenarios in security
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for the quantum magnetometer across both passive and active sensing modes.
• Characterize diverse magnetic targets to support and improve ML‑based classification methods.
• Lead external laboratory test campaigns from planning through delivery, ensuring clear outcomes and high‑quality data.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to run efficient test programs that maximize end‑user impact.
• Collaborate closely with data scientists, physicists, and hardware engineers to bridge theory, implementation, and field reality.
• Partner with subcontractors to co‑develop new concepts and deliver rapid, proof‑of‑concept demonstrations.
• Use our Python‑based tech stack to accelerate data collection, processing, and interpretation.
• Lead, mentor and grow the instrumentation team as the company scales.

What We’re Looking For

• Technical Excellence: Strong experience in sensor debugging, characterisation and deployment in harsh contexts.
• Applied Science Mindset: Ability to understand and validate the behaviour of algorithms based on physics and scientific principles.
• Critical mindset: Experience diving through complex data to surface key patterns from which to inform future tests and interpretations.
• Startup DNA: A self‑starter who thrives in early‑stage environments, comfortable wearing many hats, and excited about building from scratch.
• Collaboration: Strong communication skills and the ability to work closely with interdisciplinary teams (scientists, engineers, product).
• Leadership: Desire and ability to mentor a team to success and skills building.
• Bilingual: Proficiency in French and English is an asset.

Nice‑to‑Haves

• Experience with field testing, numerical methods, or signal processing.
• Direct experience in magnetic and EM sensing.
• Previous startup experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and meaningful equity.
• Opportunity to be an early team member shaping both the technology and the culture.
• Flexible, collaborative work environment.
• Direct impact: your work will shape breakthrough products in a cutting‑edge field.
• Professional growth opportunities as we scale.

At SBQ, we are mission driven and collaborate with people independently of gender, race, beliefs, citizenship, orientation and value unconventional paths. Let's meet!