Staff Embedded Software Engineer

# Staff Embedded Software EngineerQ-CTRLOn-site • SydneyFull-Time / Permanent Role OverviewAbout the teamThe 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 strong engineering fundamentals, a product mindset, and a drive to solve the hardest engineering problems in quantum sensing today.

Join Q-CTRL to help turn cutting-edge quantum sensing technology into robust, commercial products that operate in real-world environments. As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer in Sensing R&D, you will drive the technical direction and system architecture for the real-time embedded software, FPGA, and firmware stacks powering our next-generation quantum sensors and navigation platforms. Operating within our cross-functional R&D teams, you will help bridge hardware, firmware, and software interfaces to solve complex integration challenges.

You will act as a key technical contributor - remaining close to hands-on execution. You do not need prior experience in quantum technology: we value exceptional engineering fundamentals, systems-thinking, and a drive to build scalable, field-ready productsWhat you'll be doing Drive Next-Gen Microcontroller Architecture: Lead the ground-up firmware architecture and implementation on microcontrollers, leveraging modern embedded frameworks (e.g., Rust Embassy) to deliver low-SWaP-C control systems for uncrewed platforms.

System-Level Technical Ownership: Take architectural ownership of critical embedded software and FPGA interfaces across Sensing R&D, delivering solutions that balance performance, maintainability, and delivery timelines.

Lead Embedded Commercial Upgrades: Architect firmware for platform integration, supporting real-time data capture, display interfaces, and high-reliability platform integrations.

Design for High Reliability & Qualification: Define the long-term embedded software roadmap to mature quantum sensing platforms toward higher TRLs, establishing pathways toward flight safety qualification and compliance.

Automated Testing & Quality: Drive continuous integration and automated testing in embedded environments; establish robust CI/CD pipelines, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and simulation workflows to maintain high delivery quality.

Cross-Functional Partnership: Work alongside Product Managers, Team Leads, and other technical contributors to align technical vision with product goals, evaluating trade-offs to ensure execution stays on track without compromising technical integrity.

Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship: Actively coach and mentor engineers across the department, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing to eliminate key-person dependencies. Ideally you'll have Department-Level Architectural Leadership: 8+ years of hands-on embedded software engineering experience, with a proven track record of designing, delivering, and maintaining complex real-time systems.

Rust & Modern Systems Programming: Expertise in Rust (specifically embedded Rust and async frameworks like Embassy) or modern C/C++ for bare-metal microcontrollers and RTOS environments.

FPGA & SoC Integration: Practical experience with modern SoC architectures (e.g., Xilinx Zynq / Vivado workflows), combining FPGA logic with high-bandwidth DMA transfers, DSP pipelines, and processor subsystems.

Pragmatic Systems Design: A strong track record of making sensible technical trade-offs-solving complex problems cleanly without over-engineering.

Collaborative Mindset: Strong technical communication skills and a willingness to share knowledge, mentor peers, and engage in constructive design reviews.

Communication Protocols & HIL: Deep knowledge of low-level hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, PCIe, Ethernet/TCP-IP) and hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments. It would be fantastic if you have these skills/experience but not essential: Familiarity with aerospace, defense, or high-reliability qualification standards (e.g., DO-160, DO-178C, or Safety of Flight / SOF qualification pathways). Hands-on exposure to precision optical, physical, or sensor-based hardware (e.g., precision temperature control, laser/optical drivers, or signal conditioning).

Experience with SystemVerilog/VHDL logic design or cocotb verification workflows. Familiarity with Yocto, customized embedded Linux distributions, or kernel driver development. Experience with uncrewed vehicles (UAVs, UUVs), robotics, or dual-use defense technology. The Team You'll JoinSensing R&D