Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing (Atom Interferometry)
Q-CTRL
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posted on Jan 16, 2026
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
As a Senior Quantum Sensing Scientist, you will serve as a technical linchpin in Q-CTRL’s mission to move quantum sensing from the lab into the real world. This isn't just about incremental gains; you will provide the leadership necessary to de-risk and deploy novel atom-interferometry techniques that redefine the state-of-the-art.
At Q-CTRL, we don't believe in silos. Beyond your technical mastery, you will collaborate across boundaries, lending your expertise wherever it’s needed to make quantum technology useful.
At Q-CTRL, we value the "get-it-done" spirit. Whether it's refining a laser lock or helping a colleague troubleshoot a data pipeline, you’re the kind of person who enjoys the variety of a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
What you'll be doing:
- Join an elite, multidisciplinary team dedicated to deploying quantum sensors across high-impact sectors including Aerospace, Defence, Geophysical Exploration, and Earth Observation.
- Partner with experimental physicists and control engineers to implement world-first quantum control protocols directly onto sensor hardware.
- Drive the development, operation, and sophisticated analysis of next-generation atom interferometers to maximize sensitivity while ensuring "mission-critical" robustness.
- Collaborate with Engineering teams to push the limits of SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) reduction, transforming delicate lab setups into hardened systems ready for fielded environments.
- Work seamlessly across the Research and Engineering Divisions to ensure our scientific breakthroughs are scalable and manufacturable.
- Inform the broader company and influence the industry by sharing your insights via high-impact academic publications, technical reports, and presentations to global stakeholders and customers.
- 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 field with a focus on quantum technologies.
- Hands-on experience developing and operating high-precision cold-atom interferometry hardware.
- Deep knowledge of handling systematic errors and optimal signal extraction strategies within atom interferometric systems.
- Proven experience in sensor automation, data fusion, and the end-to-end operation of quantum hardware.
- A strong drive to work within a world-leading team that is fundamentally architecting the future of the quantum industry.
Bonus points if you have (but not essential):
- You have experience taking technology outside the lab, operating atom interferometers in transportable or mobile configurations.
- A nuanced understanding of the dominant performance limits and noise floors unique to fieldable systems.
- Advanced expertise in Python for scientific computing, simulation, and hardware interfacing.
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.