Navigation Scientist, Quantum Sensing

Q-CTRL

Q-CTRL

Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2024
About us
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.
About the role
Q-CTRL’s quantum sensors use software-layer quantum control technology to enable robust operation onboard dynamic platforms (e.g. a ship, an aircraft, a satellite). We are seeking a new Senior Navigation Scientist to help improve navigation performance in GPS-denied or contested environments by making the best use of information provided by Q-CTRL’s quantum sensors. You will work closely with experts in quantum sensing to deliver novel navigation capabilities that solve pressing challenges in maritime and aeronautical positioning and navigation. A key focus of the role will be performing comprehensive numerical simulations of inertial navigation scenarios, where the navigation system is augmented by measurements from our quantum sensors. Your quantitative modeling will inform the design, build, and operation of our quantum sensors for a given navigation end-user or application.

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 new navigation algorithms, sensor fusion strategies, and modeling capability for different navigation scenarios, including those involving unaided dead reckoning and position fixing via gravitational and magnetic map-matching;
  • Translate quantum sensor performance into capabilities that solve pressing challenges for current and prospective navigation end-users and customers (and similarly, identify quantum sensor requirements and concepts of operation for a given navigation application);
  • 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.

Ideally you'll have:

  • A PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in physics, engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Experience in navigation theory and numerical navigation modelling (e.g. navigation system modelling, navigation signal processing, navigation fusion for alternative navigation systems, quantum sensing for navigation)
  • Experience communicating technical results to a wide and varied audience.
  • 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 had these skills, but not essential:

  • Experience working in an interdisciplinary context with R&D scientists and engineers on navigation problems
  • Experience in modern signal processing methods (e.g. Bayesian methods, particle filtering, sequential Monte Carlo methods);
  • 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
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.