Job Description
A precision navigation company based in Sydney, Australia is rapidly growing and looking for a Senior Precision Sensors Scientist to support the development, testing, and deployment of next generation sensing hardware used in high reliability navigation, aerospace, and defence applications. This is a strongly experimental and hands on role, sitting at the intersection of applied research and engineering, rather than a purely academic or desk-based position.
You will work as part of a rapidly growing, highly specialised sensing engineering team, designing, building, and characterising ultra sensitive, laser based atomic and optical sensor systems. The role focuses on taking precision sensors from lab based prototypes through to reliable, field deployable hardware capable of operating reliably in harsh and noisy environments. You will collaborate closely with electronics, software, and modelling teams to improve sensor performance, stability, and automation, and to translate experimental systems into repeatable, commercial products.
This role suits an experienced experimental physicist or applied scientist who enjoys working hands on with complex optical and atomic systems, is comfortable troubleshooting real hardware, and is motivated by seeing technology transition from the lab into real world use.
This role is based in Sydney, Australia and relocation support is available as well as visa sponsorship if needed.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, build, and experimentally characterise precision sensor hardware based on atomic and optical systems
* Develop and test modifications to improve sensor performance, stability, and reliability in real world environments
* Work hands on with lasers, optics, electro optical systems, and auxiliary hardware
* Collaborate with modelling and signal processing teams to improve measurement techniques and mitigate noise and interference
* Support the automation of sensor operation in collaboration with electronics and software teams
* Participate in system integration, testing, and field trials of sensor hardware
* Analyse experimental data using Python or similar tools and communicate findings clearly
* Contribute to internal technical reviews, documentation, and knowledge sharing across the sensing team
Requirements
* PhD or equivalent industry experience in experimental physics or a closely related discipline
* Strong hands-on background in atomic physics, AMO physics, optical physics, or precision measurement systems
* Experience designing, building, and operating complex experimental hardware
* Practical experience with lasers, optics, and optical or atomic sensor systems
* Strong data analysis skills, with Python preferred
* Ability to work effectively across research, engineering, and product focused teams
* Comfortable operating in a fast moving, applied R&D environment
Desirable but Not Essential
* Direct experience with magnetic or atomic field sensing systems
* Experience deploying sensitive sensors outside controlled laboratory environments
* Background working in aerospace, defence, navigation, geophysical, or high reliability sensing applications
* Experience contributing to field trials or real world system validation
* Experience mentoring or technically guiding other scientists or engineers
Please reach out to harold@profoundpeople.com.au for more info