Senior Embedded Software Engineer

About the role

About the team

Q-CTRL’s Quantum Sensing Research team performs basic and applied research in quantum sensing and quantum-enabled navigation. It is a highly dynamic team comprising approximately 30 specialists in theoretical and experimental atomic physics, cold-atom interferometry, navigation modeling, and modern Bayesian estimation and signal processing techniques.

The Quantum Sensing Research and Quantum Sensing R&D teams work closely together, translating novel quantum sensing research into a useful capability and product. We are focussed on pushing the boundary of what is possible in quantum sensing and ensuring our R&D has real-world impact.

About the role We are seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to develop firmware for our control, sensing, and actuation systems that automate the operation of our quantum sensors. You’ll primarily be developing new applications for our SoC platforms based on requirements developed in collaboration with our research scientists to assist scientific advancement and to demonstrate our technology in the field. Our firmware is characterised by real-time constraints, data acquisition, signal processing, sequence execution, network communication, and hardware/FPGA interfacing.

You will join a growing team focused on quantum sensing for defence and aerospace, and work with experts in fields such as magnetometry, and inertial navigation to develop state-of-the-art technology.

What you'll be doing: - Own the development, integration, and support of embedded systems employed in Q-CTRL’s quantum sensing magnetometry controller targeting AMD SoC Platforms

- Responsible for the design, implementation, and testing of control, sensing, and data acquisition firmware needed to autonomously operate next generation quantum sensors.

- Work in cross-functional teams of scientists and engineers to solve novel issues in research & development and product-focused environments.

- Contribute to the success of field trials with industry partners

- Create test and simulation setups including hardware-in-the-loop test fixtures.

Ideally you'll have: - Experience working in a research environment whilst collaborating with established engineering teams and research scientists.

- Experience in algorithm development for control systems and autonomous sensor operation.

- Proficiency with a systems programming language such as C, C++, or Rust.

- Experience with a hardware description language (Verilog/VHDL)

- Experience creating embedded linux distributions using tools such as Buildroot, Yocto, or Petalinux.

- Experience using an RTOS to develop microcontroller firmware.

- Desirable to have worked on embedded systems involving interfacing with FPGAs such as JESD204 and AXI interfaces.

- Preference will be given to candidates with experience qualifying or deploying systems for use in aircraft.

About Q-CTRL