Lab and Safety Manager at Q-CTRL, Sydney. A mid-level full time position in the Sensing R&D; team, listed under research.
About the team
The 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 robust engineering fundamentals, a product mindset, and a drive to solve the hardest engineering problems in quantum sensing today.
About the role
At our purpose-built Sydney laboratory, we deliver high-precision testing that drives quantum innovation. As we grow, we are creating a dedicated Lab and Safety Manager role to own lab operations, lab safety, and lab purchasing, so our scientists and engineers can focus on building world-leading quantum sensors and navigation systems.
You will own our lab environment end-to-end, from our quantum sensing measurement labs and technician workbenches, to our workshop and assembly areas, and serve as our appointed Laboratory Safety Officer. You will report to on-site R&D; leadership, with a functional line to our Sydney-based Operations team, who own the company-wide Work Health and Safety (WHS) Management System.
Responsibilities
- Own the lab environment: Coordinate and encourage positive habits across the team so our measurement labs, optical tables, electronic workbenches, and assembly areas stay organized, tidy, and ready for work
- Scale facilities and equipment: Plan equipment moves, installations, and reconfigurations as we grow, and be the main point of contact for building management, trades, and service vendors
- Track assets and maintenance:
Build and maintain the lab asset register and maintenance schedule, and oversee lab services such as stock control for lab consumables and our hazardous chemicals register
- Lead everyday WHS compliance: Operationalise our WHS Management System, keeping SOPs, risk assessments, and JSAs aligned with NSW legislation and practical engineering needs
- Champion high hazard safety: Direct the safe handling, storage, and protocols for Class 4 lasers, specialty gases, and hazardous chemicals (including SDS registers)
- Drive proactive safety culture: Run monthly inspections, conduct incident and near miss investigations, deliver technical safety inductions and new hire trainings, and exercise clear stop work authority
- Centralise lab procurement: Manage supplier relationships, track stock levels against engineering BOMs and budgets, and conduct country of origin/export control checks on critical materials
Nice to Have
- 5+ years in lab management, technical facility coordination, or senior lab support, ideally in physics, precision measurement, or R&D; environments
- WHS knowledge: Practical knowledge of NSW WHS legislation and lab safety, including lasers and hazardous chemicals. A Certificate IV in WHS or laser safety training is highly regarded
- Procurement and inventory: Experience running inventory and purchasing for technical hardware or lab supplies
- Ways of working: Highly organised and detail-focused, with the confidence to raise safety concerns with senior technical staff
- Experience supporting government-funded projects, or with sanctions and export controls
- A tertiary qualification in science, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Experience building or maturing a WHS Management System
- Familiarity with quantum technology or physics labs (e.g. lasers and optics, vacuum, or cryogenics)
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📌 Lab and Safety Manager (Sydney)
🏢 Q-Ctrl
📍 Sydney