Senior Laser Scientist, Quantum Sensing
Sydney
Research – Sensing Research /
Full-Time / Permanent /
On-site
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 modelling, and modern Bayesian estimation and signal processing techniques.
The Quantum Sensing Research team works closely with the Sensing Engineering team to translate 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
As a Laser scientist within the inertial team, you’ll be responsible for developing the next generation of laser systems that operate our state of the art mobile quantum sensors with a focus on field trials and deployment.
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.
- Develop state-of-the-art laser systems for quantum atomic sensing hardware with a focus on miniaturisation and field deployment.
- You will work closely with the broader Quantum Sensing division and leverage the deep expertise of our quantum control engineers in collaboration with our hardware development teams.
- You’ll develop and analyse device designs, operational mechanisms, and control solutions for quantum sensors based on cutting edge hardware.
- Interact with hardware partners for the integration of control techniques for sensor operation and data fusion.
- Improve sensor performance in realistic environments by creating and designing highly agile and robust laser systems.
- 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.
- Experience working with fibre and free space laser systems.
- Experience in, or capability and motivation to learn atom optics, atomic interferometry or quantum sensing, cold atom systems, gravimetry, etc.
- Experience with laser system design, construction and testing.
- Heavy weighting will be given to experience in designing and building ruggedised optical, laser, and photonic systems for field deployment.
- Experience in scientific device design, construction, commissioning, operation and data analysis of scientific devices.
- 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.
It would be fantastic if you have these skills but not essential:
- Experimental cold atom physics or quantum optics track record (Hons/Masters/PhD).
- Knowledge and experience with fibre and electro optics @ 780nm, 832nm and 1560nm (telecoms knowledge considered).
- Practical experience with digital hardware and software for agile RF and Microwave synthesis and control.
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!
Please be advised that our communications will only come from the @q-ctrl.com domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.
To recruitment agencies, we do not accept unsolicited branded profiles and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
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.
