Staff Embedded Software EngineerDefine and own the embedded firmware architecture for next-gen quantum sensors and navigation platformsLocation: Sydney, New South WalesAbout The RoleStaff Embedded Software Engineer In Sensing R&DThe; Sensing R&D; team at Q-CTRL transforms quantum research into deployable technologies that address real-world problems.
We design, build, and field-validate an array of quantum sensors that support our key products, including Ironstone Opal - our solution for GPS-denied navigation.You don't need a background in quantum to make an impact here.
We value strong engineering fundamentals, a product mindset, and a drive to solve the hardest engineering problems in quantum sensing today.Join Q-CTRL to help turn cutting-edge quantum sensing technology into robust, commercial products that operate in real-world environments.
As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer in Sensing R&D;, you will drive the technical direction and system architecture for the real-time embedded software, FPGA, and firmware stacks powering our next-generation quantum sensors and navigation platforms.Operating within our cross-functional R&D; teams, you will help bridge hardware, firmware, and software interfaces to solve complex integration challenges.
You will act as a key technical contributor - remaining close to hands-on execution.You do not need prior experience in quantum technology: we value exceptional engineering fundamentals, systems-thinking, and a drive to build scalable, field-ready productsWhat you'll be doing:Drive Next-Gen Microcontroller Architecture: Lead the ground-up firmware architecture and implementation on microcontrollers, leveraging modern embedded frameworks (e.g., Rust Embassy) to deliver low-SWaP-C control systems for uncrewed platforms.System-Level Technical Ownership: Take architectural ownership of critical embedded software and FPGA interfaces across Sensing R&D;, delivering solutions that balance performance, maintainability, and delivery timelines.Lead Embedded Commercial Upgrades: Architect firmware for platform integration, supporting real-time data capture, display interfaces,



and high-reliability platform integrations.Design for High Reliability & Qualification: Define the long-term embedded software roadmap to mature quantum sensing platforms toward higher TRLs, establishing pathways toward flight safety qualification and compliance.Automated Testing & Quality: Drive continuous integration and automated testing in embedded environments; establish robust CI/CD pipelines, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and simulation workflows to maintain high delivery quality.Cross-Functional Partnership: Work alongside Product Managers, Team Leads, and other technical contributors to align technical vision with product goals, evaluating trade-offs to ensure execution stays on track without compromising technical integrity.Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship: Actively coach and mentor engineers across the department, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing to eliminate key-person dependencies.Ideally you'll have:Department-Level Architectural Leadership: 8+ years of hands-on embedded software engineering experience, with a proven track record of designing, delivering, and maintaining complex real-time systems.Rust & Modern Systems Programming: Expertise in Rust (specifically embedded Rust and async frameworks like Embassy) or modern C/C++ for bare-metal microcontrollers and RTOS environments.FPGA & SoC Integration: Practical experience with modern SoC architectures (e.g., Xilinx Zynq / Vivado workflows), combining FPGA logic with high-bandwidth DMA transfers, DSP pipelines, and processor subsystems.Pragmatic Systems Design: A strong track record of making sensible technical trade-offs—solving complex problems cleanly without over-engineering.Collaborative Mindset: Strong technical communication skills and a willingness to share knowledge,



mentor peers, and engage in constructive design reviews.Communication Protocols & HIL: Deep knowledge of low-level hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, PCIe, Ethernet/TCP-IP) and hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments.It would be fantastic if you have these skills/experience but not essential:Familiarity with aerospace, defense, or high-reliability qualification standards (e.g., DO-160, DO-178C, or Safety of Flight / SOF qualification pathways).
Hands-on exposure to precision optical, physical, or sensor-based hardware (e.g., precision temperature control, laser/optical drivers, or signal conditioning).
Experience with SystemVerilog/VHDL logic design or cocotb verification workflows.Familiarity with Yocto, customized embedded Linux distributions, or kernel driver development.Experience with uncrewed vehicles (UAVs, UUVs), robotics, or dual-use defense technology.About Q-CTRLQ-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 ****, 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.In **** 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 perks 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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📌 Staff Embedded Software Engineer Software (Sydney)
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