Senior Applied Modelling 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.

Q-CTRL's 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

We are seeking a new Senior Modelling Scientist to help develop next-generation small-form-factor quantum magnetometers that are exquisitely sensitive, ultrastable, and able to operate reliably in harsh fielded environments. You will work closely with experts in quantum sensing to develop quantum magnetometry technology that will solve pressing challenges in aeronautical positioning and navigation, geophysical surveying, and magnetic anomaly detection.

A key focus of the role will be developing and implementing methods for removing magnetic and/or vibrational noise induced by the platform on which the quantum sensor is mounted. The algorithms, signal processing, automation, and data analytics you develop will inform the design, build, and operation of our quantum sensors for a given end-user application. The role will also involve developing novel software-layer control protocols and operating modes for optically-pumped atomic magnetometers that deliver step-change performance improvements in noisy operating conditions.

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;
• 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;
• Perform essential research and development into novel quantum control solutions to enhance the performance of real-world quantum magnetometers;
• Develop novel theoretical models and numerical simulation tools suitable for assessing the performance of quantum sensors in real-world environments;
• Work closely with other Research and Engineering teams to deploy and validate your developed algorithms and sensing solutions on real quantum sensing hardware;
• 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); and
• Liaise as needed with our academic and industry partners in order to perform the above duties and support new business and product development;
• 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, electronic engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in the theory, numerical modelling, and/or optimization of one or more of the following: optically-pumped magnetometry in warm atomic vapour cells; quantum atomic physical systems; atom interferometry; pulse-level optimisation and quantum control techniques, digital signal processing (e.g. adaptive filtering, phase-sensitive detection).
• 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.
• Experience communicating technical results to a wide and varied audience.
• Experience with version control e.g. Git with CI/CD pipelines.
• 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:

• Experience in modern signal processing methods (e.g. Bayesian methods, particle filtering, sequential Monte Carlo methods);
• Experience with modelling geometric / gaussian optics
• Experience in sensor modelling and sensor signal processing, including data fusion
• Familiarity with the Python programming language for scientific computing.
• Familiarity with quantum and/or atomic physics at an undergraduate level.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, software developers

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 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.