Quantum Information Research Scientist

University of Georgia- FACS; Lawton, Northern (OK, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

11 paid holidays

401K with company match

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Leidos in Lawton, OK is seeking a Quantum Information Research Scientist to help advance quantum-based communications and sensing for national security missions. You will supervise and participate in R&D efforts and work with subcontractors to deliver robust solutions.

Applicants should hold a BS/MS/PhD in physics, optics, or QIS with 2+ years of relevant experience, be able to obtain TS/SCI clearance, and be a US citizen. Some travel to Leidos facilities may be required.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in physics, optics, QIS or related field with 2+ years of experience.
• Proficient with physical quantum systems used in sensing or communications.
• Must be able to obtain TS/SCI security clearance.
• Work location is Lawton, OK and US citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and participate in building and testing quantum-based communications and sensing systems.
• Collaborate with sub-contractor partners on R&D tasks.
• Communicate technical work to SMEs and non-technical audiences.
• Provide regular updates to the group lead in Huntsville, AL.

Skills

Quantum information

Security clearance

Optics basics

Python/Matlab

Education

Physics/Optics/QIS degree

Tools

LabVIEW

Mathematica

Python

Matlab

Job description

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Quantum Information Research Scientist in our INTEL Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!

The technical team will be developing a variety of sensing and communications demonstration systems for the customer. In addition to team supervision, the Scientist will also be tasked with participating in R&D along with various program development tasks.

Responsibilities will include supervising and participation in the building and testing of quantum-based communications and sensing systems along with collaborating with sub-contractor partners.

• Expertise in optical systems is not required but basic familiarity with optics is preferred.
• The position may require short periods of travel within the US., primarily to other Leidos facilities in DC and Huntsville, AL.
• Potential employee should be comfortable communicating technical work, both orally and written to subject matter experts and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with proposal processes and white paper writing is a plus.
• Good communications skills are vital as the employee will be regularly presenting complex material to non-technical governmental and military audiences.
• Provide regular updates to the group lead in Huntsville, AL.

Required Qualifications:

• Must hold a BS, MS or PhD in physics, optics, quantum information science (QIS), or some related engineering field with 2+ years of experience.
• Candidate must be proficient with physical quantum mechanical systems used in sensing or communications applications.
• Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.
• Work location is in Lawton, OK
• Must be a US Citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in an applicable field of quantum physics/QIS, either theoretical or experimental.
• Familiarity with Python, Matlab, Mathematica, LabVIEW, C#, or any optical modeling program.
• Experience in the theory and design of experimental quantum systems for sensing/communications applications.
• Experience in setting up lab equipment for optical and quantum experiments.

Original Posting:

October 6, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.