Quantum Engineer - 6 mo contract
Position: Quantum Engineer
Contract: Six months
Close date: Rolling application
Location: Darlington, NSW, with flexible working conditions where the work allows. Remote work will be considered
Reporting to: Test and Measurement Engineer
Position Overview
Join a supportive, collaborative team where curiosity and proactivity are valued.
In this role, you will spearhead a feasibility study demonstrating that Deteqt’s NV diamond sensors can measure weak oscillating magnetic fields at the sensitivity a new application requires. Working closely with a small team of engineers, you will turn theoretical predictions into a working proof-of-concept. You will also write and present the findings for an external audience, through clear technical reports and regular updates.
About Deteqt
Deteqt is a fast-growing, venture-backed deep tech company developing NV diamond quantum sensing technology. Our devices deliver magnetic field intelligence: precise measurements from compact, scalable systems, turned into actionable insights for real-world deployment. We are backed by Main Sequence Ventures, and are moving from prototype to product, working closely with early partners and customers across navigation, resources, and defence-adjacent domains.
We’re a small, driven team who move quickly, take ownership and value clear communication. If you’re ambitious, curious and want to build something uncommon, you’ll fit right in.
Your Key Responsibilities
Feasibility study and requirements
Review and test the assumptions in an existing proposal for an AC magnetometry feasibility study, including key requirements such as signal strength, Larmor frequency, standoff distance and noise environment
Set the NV diamond performance requirements for AC magnetometry
Test bench and experiments
Work closely with the project leader to plan and carry out proof-of-concept experiments that demonstrate Deteqt’s NV diamond technology can meet those requirements
Set up and validate the test bench, including the AC field source, bias field, microwave delivery, optical excitation and readout
Run the proof-of-concept demonstration, measuring an oscillating magnetic field with our first-generation NV diamond device. Compare the results with theory and published benchmarks, and document the results
Control electronics
Work closely with the team on the programming and testing of our new generation of control electronics, including preparing documentation, troubleshooting and implementation
Partner delivery and future design
Contribute to all milestones, deliverables and monthly updates with our partner
Outline requirements and specifications for future chip design iterations for implementations of portable MRI
Skills and Experience
Required
PhD (or equivalent experience) in physics, quantum engineering or a related field
Hands-on experience with NV-centre or other spin-based quantum sensing, including ODMR, Ramsey, Hahn echo and dynamical decoupling
Strong grasp of the theory and performance implications of AC magnetometry, spin coherence and sensitivity limits
Lab experience with microwave and RF systems, optics and laser control
Clear technical writing for reports and partner deliverables
Desirable
High speed control and acquisition or pulse-sequencer programming (e.g. development kits with FPGA control or similar)
Experience in a start-up or in industry-partnered research
What Success Looks Like in This Role
By the end of the six-month contract, a successful Quantum Engineer will:
Prove the concept: Run a working demonstration of AC magnetometry using our first-generation device and the test bench, with results compared against theory and published benchmarks
Deliver for the partner: Meet each milestone and monthly update on time, with clear written reports
Set up what comes next: Hand over a validated test bench, documented control electronics and draft specifications for future chip designs
Why Join Us
Hands-on impact: Work directly on NV diamond devices with industry partners
Ground-floor impact: Be part of a well-funded, fast-growing startup at a pivotal stage, shaping a globally significant technology
Values-led culture: We prioritise curiosity, diversity of thought, and building with integrity
Mission with meaning: Help bring quantum sensing out of the lab and into real-world domains that matter, from secure navigation to sustainable resource discovery
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Don’t fit every single requirement but think you can step up? We want to hear from you!
To Apply
Please submit the following to info@deteqt.tech with the subject “Quantum Engineer”:
Your resume
Do you have the right to work in Australia? (yes or no)
When you would be able to start
Why you are interested in this role (150 words max)
Describe an experiment you ran using NV-centre or other spin-based quantum sensing, or a comparable lab system. What did you measure, and what did the results show? (200 words max)
Follow our progress at linkedin.com/company/deteqt