Job Description

Job Description About the team n

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.

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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 n

Join Q-CTRL to help turn cutting-edge quantum sensing technology into robust devices that can operate in the real world. As a Senior FPGA and Embedded Software Engineer, you will develop the real-time digital and firmware stack behind our quantum accelerometers, working where advanced hardware, control systems and fundamental science meet.

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You will partner closely with research scientists and engineers to understand how the whole sensor works, then make it more capable and reliable. This is a role for a curious, versatile engineer who enjoys getting close to the hardware and learning new domains quickly. You do not need to arrive with experience in every technology listed below: we value strong fundamentals, thoughtful problem-solving and the drive to learn.

What you'll be doing: n

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- Develop, integrate, optimise and support FPGA firmware for Q-CTRL quantum sensors.Implement and maintain timing-critical digital processing blocks, including filters, decimation and related DSP pipelines.
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- Build robust startup, calibration, operation and monitoring routines for autonomous sensor operation.
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- Work with research scientists to translate control concepts into reliable, real-time behaviour close to the hardware.
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- Integrate FPGA logic with SoC software, enabling reliable, time-synchronised high-bandwidth data capture, DMA transfer and storage.
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- Establish and improve simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing to support continuous integration and confident field deployment.
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- Investigate system-level issues across FPGA logic, firmware, electronics, embedded Linux and higher-level software.
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- Contribute to architecture decisions that improve reliability and performance in future sensor revisions.
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- Document test, validation and operational procedures as part of delivering the quantum sensor package.
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Ideally you'll have: nn
- Solid foundations in digital design and embedded systems.
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- Familiarity with SystemVerilog for implementing and maintaining FPGA logic.
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- Experience with Xilinx SoCs and Vivado-based development workflows.
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- Digital signal processing experience, including practical implementation of filters, decimation or related signal-conditioning pipelines.
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- Experience with simulation and verification workflows such as cocotb.
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- Familiarity with CI/CD development processes for testing, validation and deployment.
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- Some familiarity with systems programming languages (for example C, C++ or Rust) to interface with FPGA data paths, including DMA-based transfer.
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- Curiosity about complex systems and the persistence to understand how hardware,



firmware, software and physics interact.
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- Experience with, or enthusiasm to learn, timing-critical control systems and high-bandwidth data capture or storage.
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- Familiarity with low-latency and low-level communications such as TCP/IP, SPI, I2C or CAN bus.
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- Exposure to embedded Linux, customised operating systems or Yocto is useful, but not essential.
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- Familiarity with GitHub Actions and CI/CD workflows for cloud testing and deployment.
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- A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively with engineers and research scientists in an evolving technical environment.
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About Q-CTRL n

Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology helpful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real-world impact.

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Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Huntsville, 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.

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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.

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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!

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📌 Senior Embedded Software Engineer (Sydney)
🏢 Lever
📍 Sydney