We hold the key to making quantum technology useful and operate at the highest levels of the emerging quantum sector. Our products are already revolutionizing the way quantum technology is used; From educating the workforce on how quantum computing works with Black Opal, to the industry-first native integration of our performance-management software with IBM Quantum services in November 2023, we are building the global quantum sector and defining the quantum infrastructure software segment. But our work isn’t limited to quantum computing; we go everywhere that quantum goes. In July 2023 our work with Australian Defence delivering software-ruggedized quantum sensing for navigation without GPS was featured in the New York Times.

We base these world-leading commercial outcomes on a foundation of transformational research. We operate the industry’s largest team of experts in quantum control, and push the limits of human capability through our software, hardware, and technical publications in the world’s most prestigious scientific journals.

As a high-growth global quantum startup we’ve raised US $74M since 2017 from investors such as Airbus Ventures, Horizons Ventures, Main Sequence Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, Sierra Ventures, SquarePeg Capital, and others; this includes the world’s largest Series B for any quantum software company, announced in early 2023. Adding to the completion of our new global HQ in Sydney (Australia’s first fully dedicated, commercial quantum technology site), Los Angeles, and Berlin offices, we’ve also recently announced our expansion into the UK to continue to impact the development of quantum technology globally.

We’re led by our values: to be real, to be trusted, to be just, and to be revered. We’ve brought together an inspiring team of world-leading physicists, engineers, product and design specialists (to name a few!) to help us shape the future of quantum technology. And we’re looking for new team members who want to help us change the world.

What you'll be doing

This role is about making our quantum sensors work autonomously – from cold start to peak performance, in dynamical and unpredictable environments. The role is an exciting nexus between quantum sensing research and product development. Reporting to the Lead Quantum Sensing Scientist, Accelerometry, the Senior Automation Scientist will coordinate the direction of our rapidly growing efforts to deploy software-ruggedised quantum gravimeters, accelerometers, and magnetometers in onboard applications, on both terrestrial and space-based platforms.

From defining the quantum sensing stack, to identifying cross-disciplinary opportunities to advance the automation of quantum technology, to driving milestone execution and everything in between, this influential role will help shape the immediate direction of quantum sensing R&D globally and maximise its impact across many sectors. Specifically:

Opportunity identification

- Design modular and extensible control software architectures for quantum sensors that can meet the challenges for operating quantum sensors in harsh environments (autonomous cold-start, tuneup, calibration, online optimisation).

- Stay abreast of global state-of-the-art and directions in fieldable quantum sensors, particularly embedded control systems, and control/communications protocols.

- Help define the quantum sensing ‘stack’ for a range of architectures, and identify where software-level innovation can improve sensor performance by mitigating hardware imperfections and environmental/platform noise.

Collaborative execution

- Work with the Embedded Hardware, Software, and Systems Engineers and Quantum Sensing Scientists on automation of quantum sensing hardware prototypes.

- Work with the Quantum Sensing Modelling and Quantum Product Engineering teams to translate proof-of-concept demonstrations of sensor fusion, robust control, machine learning, and other algorithms into new fieldable capabilities for onboard quantum sensors.

- Work with the Product Manager, Quantum Sensing and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for the software solutions you develop to unlock new capabilities for other quantum technology hardware vendors and end users.

Technical leadership

- Work with members of the technical leadership team to define research questions, milestones, and deliverables in the area of quantum sensor control and automation.

- Work with other Quantum Sensing and Operations team members, and liase with funding agencies, partners, and customers to ensure timely delivery of the above.

- Provide inputs to help define the strategic priorities and objectives for both the Quantum Sensing Research and Product functions.

Ideally you'll have:

A PhD in Physics, Engineering or equivalent industry experience.
Experience in whole-system architecture and algorithm development for control systems and autonomous hardware operation, including experiment control systems.
Direct experience in control system development and autonomous operation, including for example—interfacing bespoke software with microcontrollers, FPGA, DAC, ADC, and DDS hardware (including RF evaluation boards); and exposing different layers of the software stack via programmatic or graphical interfaces to other developers, researchers, or end-users.
Experience deploying and benchmarking robust operation of bespoke hardware in field trials or real world environments.
Knowledge of current state-of-the-art, pros- and cons of relevant control hardware, e.g. embedded systems including SoCs, e.g. Xilinx Zynq and their Python interfaces.
Experience or knowledge of applying machine learning, neural networks, and/or other optimisation techniques to the control of parameterised scientific experiments.
Experience developing or using a range of data transfer, networking, and interprocess communication protocols for remote operation of scientific instruments.
A high degree of scientific programming and data literacy.
R&D experience working concurrently with scientists and engineers.
Ability to synthesise complex technical concepts into pithy, compelling presentations.
Experience executing research grants, proposals, tenders, or other external funding.

Why Q-CTRL?

Flexibility: We embrace workplace flexibility so you worry more about your global impact vs a rigid work schedule.

Attractive salary: You’ll get to live the start-up life without start-up wages.

Equity: We want people to have a sense of ownership in what they do and offer the potential for equity share and annual bonuses.

Resources: We are well funded by the world’s best technology investors, letting us chase our ambitions with minimal constraints.

Parental support: We offer paid parental leave to support you and your loved ones!

Diversity: We’re an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity, inclusion and providing equal opportunities to all, actively supporting initiatives like the ‘Global Women in Quantum’ program among others.

Unique culture: You’ll be surrounded by some of the world’s leading physicists, engineers, product, marketing and design people (to name a few!) with a strong desire to learn and transfer knowledge.

Meaningful values: You’ll work with an incredibly supportive team who work consistently to deliver our core values to be real, be trusted, be just and to be revered.

Personal development: We provide you with a personal development and wellness budget.

Impactful work: Last but not least! You’ll have the opportunity to work in the world’s leading field of technology and truly make an impact that matters!

Q-CTRL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. We are committed to being inclusive in the way we hire. We strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements mentioned in the job posting.

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.

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Senior Automation Scientist, Quantum Sensing

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