Quantum Network Scientist

SC Quantum; Charleston (SC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC in North Charleston, SC is seeking a Quantum Network Scientist to join our team in a hybrid remote role. The ideal candidate will contribute to cutting-edge quantum research across metrology, communications, and networking technologies while being locally based for collaboration.

The position requires advanced degrees and a strong background in quantum physics, optics, and related fields, with a focus on practical implementations that span fiber and free-space quantum links.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics or closely related field, or an MS/MA with equivalent experience.
• US Citizenship and ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Work on quantum network components and protocols in a hybrid remote setting.
• Contribute to optical quantum metrology and quantum communications research.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance quantum networking experiments.

Skills

Optical Quantum Metrology

Quantum Enabled Optical Communications

Quantum Networks

Education

Ph.D. in physics, mathematics, CS, EE, or CE

M.S./M.A. + 1 year related experience

Job description

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Quantum Network Scientist

dot Salaried Position dot Charleston, SC dot

APPLY NOW: Quantum Network Scientist

Location: CHARLESTON, SC, United States

Date Posted: Mar 19, 2025

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Physicist

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI

Potential for Remote Work: Hybrid

Job Description

SAIC is seeking a Quantum Network Scientist to join our team in North Charleston, SC. This is a hybrid remote role and will require the ideal candidate to be local to the North Charleston, SC area.

The Quantum Network Scientist will have specialized experience (> 1 year) in at least one of the following areas.

• Optical Quantum Metrology: Optical quantum metrology encompasses the generation, detection, characterization, and verification of quantum states of light, including the use of quantum entanglement to enhance sensitivity compared to classical methods. Detection methods include cutting-edge single-photon sources and state-of-the-art (photon-number resolving) single-photon detectors to investigate fundamental aspects of optical quantum metrology. Optical Quantum Metrology includes developing measurement protocols and characterization tools for single-photon sources, detectors, and components. It also includes protocols used for applications such as entanglement distribution in quantum networks, synchronization of distant quantum network nodes, quantum component characterization and quantum-enhanced measurements using exotic and non-Gaussian quantum states of light.
• Quantum Enabled Optical Communications: Quantum enabled optical communications includes the implementation of quantum information science, quantum measurement science and quantum state detection to experimentally implement quantum-enabled classical and quantum optical communication links over fiber and free-space channels. While quantum key distribution (QKD) is included in this definition, it is not the focus of the desired position and experience in using quantum optical effects to create hybrid classical and quantum networks is preferred.
• Quantum Networks: Quantum networking includes research and development to optimize performance (losses, synchronization, entanglement distribution management, noise, etc.) to facilitate quantum optical networks across a fiber and free-space testbed. It includes the study of quantum (qubit) systems, such as entangled photon sources, detectors, memories, interfaces, and their performance in a real life heterogenized quantum network. Quantum networking includes the investigation of impacts from other connected systems and links on the performance of certain critical quantum systems; development of methods to integrate quantum components into a real life heterogenized quantum network setting; development and implementation of methods to study the performance of quantum network links (such as tomography measurements, fiber characterization, etc.); design, implementation and test of methods for optimization of photonic quantum networks (such as for timing synchronization, phase control, polarization control, etc.); development and test management protocols for quantum communications over a quantum network (such as a quantum network manager); and development and execution of quantum experiments (such as entanglement distribution) and quantum communications (such as teleportation) on a quantum network.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in physics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, or computer engineering OR demonstrate an equivalent of 1 year of direct experience in one of the areas below with a M.S. or M.A. in physics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, or computer engineering.
• Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.