Talent Lead

About the Company

Atomionics is a startup supported by SGInnovate, specializing in building quantum sensors and AI technology that provide precise subsurface insights. Their innovative solutions replace years of uncertainty in resource exploration with accurate data available in weeks, aiding the global energy transition by locating critical minerals. Backed by investors such as BHP Ventures, In-Q-Tel, and Wavemaker, Atomionics is expanding operations across Singapore, Australia, and North America, applying physics directly in field operations on vehicles and drones to solve complex underground challenges.

Role Overview

The Talent Lead role is focused on directly sourcing and recruiting exceptional individuals who will drive Atomionics' next growth phase. Unlike traditional recruiting management positions, this role demands an individual contributor who excels at identifying and securing talent not typically accessible through conventional channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on, targeted sourcing of rare technical candidates including quantum physicists, advanced mechanical engineers, geophysics PhDs, and AI researchers using methods like Boolean searches, academic citation networks, conference records, and referrals.
• Map out talent pools by identifying where suitable candidates are located, including research institutions, national laboratories, defense contractors, and smaller companies beyond obvious industry giants.
• Effectively communicate the company's mission and equity offerings to candidates who may receive higher salaries elsewhere, crafting a compelling narrative that resonates beyond monetary incentives.
• Collaborate closely with founders and technical leaders to gain a deep understanding of roles, allowing credible technical discussions during candidate engagement.
• Build sustainable sourcing channels such as university partnerships, community networks, and employer branding initiatives, working alongside marketing teams to align hiring with brand development.
• Develop talent acquisition strategies tailored to different global markets including Australia, India, and the United States, adapting approaches for diverse candidate pools.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience personally sourcing and closing elite, specialized technical talent, especially within boutique search firms, deep-tech startups, defense, national labs, or research organizations.
• Strong individual contributor mindset who thrives on executing searches personally and making critical hires successfully.
• Capability to engage knowledgeably with candidates from highly technical specialties by thorough preparation to gain credibility.
• Expertise in promoting mission-driven work, autonomy, and equity-based compensation to candidates earning more elsewhere.
• Comfort and adaptability to operate with limited resources and ambiguity without reliance on established processes.
• Excellent judgment in distinguishing outstanding candidates beyond resume impressions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct hiring experience in fields such as quantum technology, photonics, geophysics, AI/ML research, or precision instrumentation.
• Familiarity with academic and research-focused sourcing tools including Google Scholar, citation tracking, and conference participation networks.
• Understanding of international offer structuring, particularly across Asia, Australia, and the US.
• Background working at early-stage startups (Series A/B) leading talent acquisition setup from the ground up.

Who This Role Fits

This position suits a seasoned talent acquisition professional who specializes in uncovering hidden, elite candidates in niche fields and wants to work in a dynamic, high-stakes environment where each hire critically impacts company success. The volume of hires is low, but the expectations are exceptionally high, with no team to manage or playbook to follow.