Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Atom Interferometry)

Q-CTRL; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity potential

Flexible work

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Q-CTRL is seeking a PhD-level experimental leader to guide atom-interferometry based quantum sensor development. You will work with quantum control engineers and physicists to implement protocols on real hardware and push sensitivity while maintaining ruggedness for field use.

The role emphasizes collaboration across research and engineering teams, publication of results, and contributing to a world-leading quantum technology program.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Engineering or 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental work on atom-interferometry based quantum sensors.
• Collaborate with physicists, engineers and hardware specialists to implement control protocols on quantum sensor hardware.
• Develop, operate and analyze next-generation atom interferometer sensors for maximum sensitivity.
• Reduce SWaP and ruggedness of lab systems for fielded environments.
• Share insights through presentations and publications.

Skills

Quantum sensing

Atom interferometry

Experimental leadership

Education

PhD in Physics or Engineering

Tools

Atom interferometer hardware

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.

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 delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field-validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.

We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high-performance culture.