Junior Mechanical Engineer

Junior Mechanical Engineer

The Sensing Engineering 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.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our Quantum Sensing division. Working closely with a world-leading team of physicists and engineers, you will be hands-on with the design, assembly, and testing of some of the world's most sensitive gravimeters, magnetometers and laser systems. In this role you'll be a part of the mechanical and optics team, and will assist in the design and testing of our quantum sensing technology. You will work closely with a team of engineers, physicists and technicians to support our technology development and bring our quantum technology out of the lab and into the field. You will join a growing team focused on quantum sensing for defence and aerospace, and work with experts in fields such as cold-atom interferometry, magnetometry, and inertial navigation to develop state-of-the-art technology.

What you'll be doing:

• Design and prototype enclosures, jigs and fixtures, and components of our quantum sensors
• Contribute to the integration, commissioning and support trials outside the lab of our sensor technology
• Work with physicists, engineers and stakeholders to design the highest-precision measurement systems in the world
• Be part of the team responsible for integration, test and validation of newly commissioned sensors.

Ideally you'll have:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering
• Relevant experience in designing and prototyping mechanical systems
• Hands-on experience in prototyping, and familiarity with CNC machining, 3D printing, and sheet metal bending
• Experience with engineering analysis, drawings and tolerancing, assembly etc.
• Demonstrated experience designing with Inventor or similar CAD software

Nice to have:

• Experience with fast-paced prototyping, especially through student design competitions
• Experience with operating in an R&D or research environment

Q-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 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, 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 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. 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!