Mechanical Engineer

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 own the design of the mechanical subsystems of our sensors, including laser systems, free-space optical systems, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, and structural components to connect it all together. You'll work in close collaboration with our research scientists and stakeholders to assist scientific advancement and to make our technology work robustly in the field. You'll be involved in the full lifecycle of our quantum technology, from requirements definition, design using CAD and other tools, prototyping, testing, verification and validation and demonstrations in 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:

• Use Inventor CAD, and your skills as an engineer, to contribute to the design of our quantum sensors, from requirements through to detailed mechanical design and testing
• Perform analysis and subsystem testing to demonstrate our systems meet performance and environmental requirements
• Operate independently to interpret project requirements, design relevant hardware, and be able to communicate designs and how they can meet the requirements
• Contribute to the integration, commissioning and trials in and out of the lab of our sensor technology
• Work with a diverse team of physicists, engineers and stakeholders to design the highest-precision measurement systems in the world
• Understand and apply industry standards when needed

Ideally you'll have:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering or relevant discipline
• 2-5 years of relevant experience in designing and prototyping high-precision prototype mechanical designs including analysis, drawings and tolerancing, assembly etc
• Demonstrated experience designing with Inventor or similar CAD software

Nice to have:

• Experience with operating in an R&D or research environment
• Experience with mechanical design for optical or other high-precision systems
• Prior experience working in highly-regulated fields such as aerospace or medicine
• Experience with FEA for structural / modal / thermal analysis

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!