Senior Scientist, Quantum Sensing

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 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 The purpose of this role is to help develop next-generation small-form-factor quantum magnetometers that are exquisitely sensitive, ultrastable, and able to operate reliably in harsh fielded environments. A key part of this role is to use the techniques of quantum control to improve the sensitivity and robustness of magnetometers. This will involve developing novel software-layer control protocols and operating modes for optically pumped atomic magnetometers, as well as advanced statistical filtering techniques, in order to deliver step-change performance improvements in noisy operating conditions. 
The algorithms, signal processing, and data analytics developed by you and the rest of the team will inform the design, build, and operation of our quantum sensors. In all cases, a major focus is on real-world performance – you will be taking your code and algorithms, applying them to actual, field-deployed platforms, and working to make them effective.
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:

• 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 quantum control algorithms to improve the sensitivity and robustness of optically pumped magnetometers.
• Use statistical techniques such as Kalman and particle filters to improve sensitivity and remove noise.
• Perform time series analysis and develop platform and environmental noise compensation techniques using state-of-the-art digital signal processing and machine learning methods.
• Use data analytics to translate quantum sensor data streams into capabilities that solve pressing challenges for current and prospective end-users and customers.
• Develop, document, and review high-quality software using Python.
• Share your insights and results 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).
• 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 (or equivalent industry experience) in Physics, Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in the theory, numerical modelling, and/or optimization of one or more of the following: atomic spin ensembles, quantum sensing in warm atomic vapours, pulse-level optimisation and quantum control techniques.
• Knowledge of statistical techniques such as Kalman and particle filtering.
• Experience in time and frequency digital signal processing, e.g. adaptive filtering, Kalman filtering.
• Contributing to a software system architecture with multiple components developed by different teams, adhering to best-practice software development precepts.

Bonus points if you have (but not essential):

• Expertise with Python programming language for scientific computing.
• Experience with version control e.g. Git with CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience modelling real quantum experiments/hardware and working closely with both theoretical and experimental teams.
• Demonstrated experience in improving experimental outcomes through novel signal processing or denoising algorithms.

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- 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.

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