About us

Silicon Quantum Computing is pioneering the future of quantum technology. As the world’s first company to manufacture qubits with atomic precision, we’re delivering quantum advantage today, not decades from now.

Founded by Professor Michelle Simmons, one of the world’s leading materials scientists, SQC has achieved major breakthroughs including the first single-atom transistor and the first integrated circuit built with atomic precision. Our Chair, Simon Segars, former CEO of ARM, brings deep global experience as we scale our technology and commercial impact.

Our quantum machine learning chip, Watermelon, is already accelerating AI in ways classical systems can’t match. We’re generating significant revenue and working closely with multinational partners to solve complex problems with quantum solutions.

SQC is a fast-paced, high-accountability environment where people grow quickly and contribute meaningfully. If you’re excited by deep tech, ambitious about your career, and ready to help shape the future of computing, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

As a Staff Atomic Fabrication Scientist, you will play a critical role in driving technical excellence, innovation, and project success within the atomic fabrication team. You will combine deep technical expertise with leadership skills to mentor junior scientists and engineers, develop new fabrication technologies, and deliver high-quality projects that meet the organisation’s strategic objectives. You will set the technical direction for projects, engage with external stakeholders, and ensure the scalability and reliability of atomic-scale device fabrication.

Role responsibilities

• Set technical direction for atomic fabrication projects, ensuring alignment with business goals and technical requirements.

• Lead the design and architecture of complex device fabrication methods, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability.

• Actively realise the scalability of atomic-scale devices, designing new fabrication tools and techniques for scale-up.

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical direction to other fabrication scientists and engineers.

• Lead and facilitate projects within the atomic fabrication team or across teams, guiding effective device reviews and quality assurance.

• Analyse and resolve critical technical problems, including performance issues and system failures, implementing effective solutions under pressure.

• Contribute to the development of technical strategies and roadmaps for the organisation, evaluating new technologies and recommending adoption.

• Engage with external stakeholders to develop and implement new equipment, processes, and technologies.

• Develop and realise long-term vision for laboratory infrastructure, implementing OHS and safe work procedures.

• Lead technical training sessions, mentorship programs, and workshops to transfer expertise to other team members.

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and latest developments in atomic fabrication engineering and quantum computing.

Your experience

• PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field.

• Minimum 10 years’ hands-on experience with scanning tunnelling microscopy in a research environment.

• Proven mastery of ultra-high vacuum STM or molecular beam epitaxy.

• Demonstrated expertise in leading independent research and publishing high-impact outcomes.

• Deep experience in one or more: STM of semiconductor surfaces, STM-lithography, MBE crystal growth, single atom manipulation, spin or spectroscopy measurements by STM.

• Background in nanostructured or mesoscopic device fabrication on semiconductors.

• Proven experience in technical strategy, innovation, and project management.

• Advanced troubleshooting skills for complex fabrication issues.

• Proven track record of fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to achieve strategic objectives within strict timelines.

• Proven track record in scientific knowledge sharing and mentoring scientists and engineers.

• Experience in laboratory management, OHS implementation, and infrastructure development.

• Advanced proficiency in Python (nice to have).

The recruitment process

For roles at SQC, expect 3-4 interviews, meeting a few members of the team and focusing on your core eligibility for the role, your skills and how they align, and finally your values and how they align. We'll give you a more specific runthrough if you're successful in making it to the first interview.

As part of our obligations to our clients, we require that successful candidates submit to background checks, including a National Police Check, Right to Work checks, as well as employment and qualifications verification. We won't contact anyone until we're confident there's a fit between SQC and yourself.

How to apply

The best and simplest way is to apply directly here, rather than messaging anyone on the SQC team directly. If you have any questions that you'd like answered before committing to applying, please feel free to email us at careers@sqc.com.au.

Please note

This position may require access to export-controlled information (ECI) subject to EAR and ITAR. Final employment decision is contingent upon satisfactory completion of export control screenings and obtaining any necessary export licenses or approvals, based on nationality, citizenship, and other factors considered by applicable export control regulations.