Head of Engineering, Quantum Sensing

About usFounded in 2017, Q-CTRL has grown to become the global leader in quantum control infrastructure software. As a product-led company, we bring together diverse teams such as product, design, engineering and research to help achieve our mission of making quantum technology useful. We believe that working in deep tech domains like quantum provides an opportunity to upskill whilst applying existing knowledge and practices to new markets.

As one of the fastest growing companies in the quantum sector, we’ve had a number of key milestones:- In October 2024, we announced our record breaking expansion of our Series B funding round to USD $113M, with $59M USD of new capital.- In November 2023, we announced an industry-first partnership with IBM Quantum Services, natively integrating our performance management software with all IBM quantum computers. Building off of this relationship, in September 2024 we started offering two services via IBM’s new Qiskit Functions Catalog as an inaugural partner.- Designed and moved our Global HQ offices and lab space into the first purpose-built (and award winning) commercial and research facility for a quantum technology company in Australia.- Grew our global presence in Los Angeles and Berlin, and expansion into the UK, recently opening up a new office in Oxford.- Continued to deliver real world outcomes across the quantum sectors, with our work with Australian Defence on software-ruggedized quantum sensing for navigation without GPS, as featured in the New York Times.

From educating the workforce on how quantum computing works, and building the next generation of quantum sensors, to delivering massive performance gains for end-users, it all starts with hiring the right talent. If you want to help us build the Quantum future, read on.

About the roleReporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the Head of Engineering, Quantum Sensing is a newly created role that is responsible for the success of Q-CTRL’s Quantum Sensing Engineering team - including Mechanical, Optical, Electronics, and Embedded Software Engineers.

Working closely with your colleagues in Product and Research, you will be instrumental in shaping Q-CTRL’s Quantum Sensing division in order to successfully design, develop, and deliver commercially ready quantum sensing solutions - including magnetometers, accelerometers, and gravimeters - guiding your team through field trials which demonstrate the technology, and its readiness for deployment and product launch.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional individual who has had a distinguished career as an individual contributor before moving into senior leadership positions such as Head/Director/VP of Engineering and/or CTO, and who is now known for their technical prowess, their uncanny attention to detail, their unconditional commitment to quality, and their ability to lead by example.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading the Quantum Sensing Engineering team in the development of innovative quantum sensor prototypes.
• Consulting, advising, and executing on any organizational updates to improve alignment with evolving mission profiles, customer deliverables, and product development opportunities.
• Driving the maturation of quantum technologies from TRL 4 to TRL 7, including oversight of field trials to demonstrate readiness for deployment.
• Overseeing the development of custom hardware, firmware, gateware, and software solutions, including magnetometers, accelerometers, and gravimeters.
• Collaborating with Product and Research to align technical efforts with strategic objectives.
• Fostering a high-performing and cohesive team culture by mentoring technical leaders and encouraging knowledge sharing.
• Implementing standardized engineering tools and processes to improve operational consistency and efficiency.
• Coordinating the delivery of cross-functional projects, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software for mission-critical applications.
• Representing the engineering team in stakeholder meetings, providing clear communication of project goals, progress, and outcomes.

Ideally you'll have:

• Proven experience leading technical teams within a startup and/or scaleup environment in the area of quantum sensing.
• Demonstrated expertise in hardware development, particularly with quantum sensor technologies including magnetometers, accelerometers, and gravimeters.
• Strong delivery management skills, capable of handling complex projects with multiple dependencies and tight deadlines.
• Hands-on experience maturing technologies from TRL 4 to TRL 7.
• Familiarity with GPS-denied navigation technologies and their real-world applications.
• Solid understanding of risk management, ensuring project compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• A track record of successful product launches, having developed industry standards based products used in mission critical environments such as defense, aerospace, mining, and medical.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effectively liaising with executive leadership and external partners.

It would be fantastic if you have these skills/experience but not essential:

• Experience working with research teams to incorporate new technology into products.
• Experience in low to medium volume manufacturing and or working with contract manufacturers.
• Experience using PLM software such as Windchill, Odoo, OpenBOM, etc.