Sydney, NSW
Permanent
Flexible working arrangements
Salary negotiable
Calling all photonics enthusiasts We're on the hunt for a talented Photonics Engineer to join a fast-growing, venture-backed startup in Sydney. This is a permanent role where you'll have the chance to shape the future of quantum sensing technology and make a real impact.
About the Company
My client is a fast-growing, venture-backed startup developing next-generation sensing technology that will reshape how people, vehicles and industries understand the world around them. They're building a platform based on diamond-on-chip technology, enabling magnetic-field measurement with extreme precision in a device small enough to scale.
The Role
Define and own the optical excitation and fluorescence readout system for diamond-on-chip quantum sensors. Work closely with a multidisciplinary team to balance optical, quantum, electronic, and test requirements. Transition from lab-scale setups to compact, vendor-buildable modules that will reshape how people, vehicles and industries understand the world around them.
You'll be responsible for:
Photonics architecture and optical design
: Define the optical excitation and fluorescence readout architecture, perform optical modelling, and define system requirements and interfaces.
Diamond sourcing, processing and integration
: Drive diamond procurement, characterisation, and quality qualification; work with processing vendors; and develop workflows for aligning, bonding, and integrating diamond with the photonics–CMOS assembly.
Component selection and photonics prototyping
: Select and evaluate required components; build optical prototypes and test rigs; and validate excitation geometries and fluorescence performance.
Integrated photonics package development
: Design a compact, manufacturable and fully integrated photonics; collaborate with the engineering team to ensure alignment feasibility, thermal stability, and assembly robustness.
Testing, characterisation and optimisation:
Conduct excitation and fluorescence optimisation experiments; characterise optical losses, coupling efficiency, and diamond response; and document results to drive iterative design improvements.
Skills and experience
* Bachelor's or master's degree in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Materials Science, or related engineering fields
* 3-5 years of experience in optical system design, photonics engineering, or laser-based experiments
* Hands-on experience with fluorescence detection or optical readout systems
* Experience building and characterising optical systems (alignment, coupling, measurement)
* Proficiency with optical simulation tools
* Strong understanding of laser physics, micro-optics, and light-coupling techniques
* Comfortable documenting work clearly and collaborating in multidisciplinary teams
Benefits
* Be part of a well-funded, fast-growing startup at a pivotal stage, shaping a globally significant technology
* This company prioritises curiosity, diversity of thought, and building with integrity
* Help bring quantum sensing out of the lab and into real-world domains that matter — from secure navigation to sustainable resource discovery
N.B. Due to work with the Australian Defence Force, only Australian permanent residents and citizens can be considered for this role.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button below.
Any questions about this vacancy? Please contact Ben Duda at RHL Recruitment, Sydney.
or
apply direct to
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