Photonics Engineer (Quantum Sensing) Sydney Permanent role, hybrid Salary negotiable Calling all photonics enthusiasts! We're on the hunt for a talented Photonics Engineer to join a fast-growing, venture-backed start up 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 start up 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 start up 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.