Quantum Information Scientist — Atomic QIS Research Lead

National Security Agency Inc; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences seeks an Atomic Physicist to serve as an Experimentalist and Technical Program Manager. You will lead research on atomic qubit devices and fault-tolerant quantum computing, focusing on trapped-ion and neutral-atom platforms.

You will collaborate with government, industry, and academia to set goals, advance strategies, and drive investments that strengthen national security through quantum information science.

Qualifications

• Experience with trapped ion systems or neutral atom arrays, including qubit prep/cooling, transport, and readout.
• Hands-on experience with optical tweezers, laser control systems, and related optics/electronics.
• Understanding of quantum error correction and multi-qubit protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee projects shaping the future of U.S. computing interests.
• Collaborate with scientists across government, industry, and academia to identify research gaps.
• Direct strategies for U.S. investments in quantum information science.
• Advance U.S. leadership in QIS for national security.

Skills

Quantum hardware

Trapped-ion systems

Neutral-atom qubits

Quantum control

Job description

NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences seeks an Atomic Physicist to serve as an Experimentalist and Technical Program Manager. You will lead research on atomic qubit devices and fault-tolerant quantum computing, focusing on trapped-ion and neutral-atom platforms.

You will collaborate with government, industry, and academia to set goals, advance strategies, and drive investments that strengthen national security through quantum information science.