Quantum Researcher – Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics

JTEC Consulting LLC; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

JTEC Consulting LLC is seeking quantum physicists with AMO expertise to support a federal program focused on neutral atoms and trapped ions. The ideal candidate has hands-on atom/ion trapping experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to lead technical work with minimal guidance in a collaborative, government-facing environment.

This on-site role requires U.S. citizenship and current or eligible security clearance, with relocation support available for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics or related field with 5+ years of professional/research experience or PhD with 5+ years of experience.
• At least one related publication.
• Expertise in quantum information theory.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and subject matter expertise in AMO and quantum physics.
• Support the government’s technical team in managing the AMO research portfolio.
• Integrate technical inputs from internal and external organizations; analyze technical deliverables and reports.
• Conduct independent reviews of technical literature and emerging technologies, and prepare summaries.
• Participate in technical exchanges and workshops related to program technical areas.
• Prepare technical documents and presentation materials.
• Develop and document testing methodologies and protocols aligned with program technology components.
• Coordinate and schedule technology development tasks, and continuously assess technical progress against planned cost and schedule.
• Perform and track technical and programmatic risk analysis.

Skills

AMO physics

Quantum information

Experimental physics

Atom trapping

Ion trapping

Technical leadership

Documentation

Education

Master’s degree in physics

PhD in physics

Tools

Laser systems

ECDLs

Modulators

Photonics hardware

Vacuum systems

Job description

College Park, MD 20740

Multiple Positions Available

Security Clearance Requirement:

Active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain a security clearance

Location:

On-Site

Relocation:

Relocation support for candidates outside the commuting area will be considered

Travel:

Occasional; typically, no more than 5%

JTEC Consulting LLC is a Veteran-Owned Small Business supporting Defense and Intelligence programs. We bring decades of cleared operational experience to advance mission-critical capabilities through agile, modern technology and data solutions.

Position Overview

JTEC Consulting LLC is seeking quantum physicists with expertise in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics to support a federal government program. The program manages a portfolio of academic, national laboratory, and industry researchers investigating quantum information science with neutral atoms and trapped ions, with the goal of advancing neutral-atom quantum operations, development, and devices.

The ideal candidate has an experimental background in atom and ion trapping and can identify and articulate new research directions and novel approaches. This is a dynamic environment: team members lead efforts, provide technical guidance, and transition work for future development while continuing to track progress. The ability to serve as a non-supervisory technical leader with minimal guidance is strongly desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and subject matter expertise in AMO and quantum physics.
• Support the government’s technical team in managing the AMO research portfolio.
• Integrate technical inputs from internal and external organizations; analyze technical deliverables and reports.
• Conduct independent reviews of technical literature and emerging technologies, and prepare summaries.
• Participate in technical exchanges and workshops related to program technical areas.
• Prepare technical documents and presentation materials.
• Develop and document testing methodologies and protocols aligned with program technology components.
• Coordinate and schedule technology development tasks, and continuously assess technical progress against planned cost and schedule.
• Perform and track technical and programmatic risk analysis.

Technical Areas

• Atom-photon interaction
• Atom trapping, laser cooling, manipulation, and transport
• Ultracold atoms
• Qubit entanglement
• Control electronics
• Laser sources and components (e.g., ECDLs, solid-state lasers, tapered amplifiers, modulators)
• Acousto-optic deflectors and modulators; electro-optic modulators
• Optical tweezers, electrode chip fabrication, and photonic integrated circuits

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship
• Current U.S. government security clearance or eligibility to obtain a clearance
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write concisely and persuasively.
• Ability to explain technical and scientific issues clearly to audiences with varying levels of expertise.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.

Education And Experience

• Master’s degree in physics or a related field with at least 5 years of relevant professional and/or research experience, or a PhD in physics or a related field with at least 5 years of professional and/or research experience. Related research activity will be considered.
• At least one publication in a related subject area.
• Expertise in quantum information theory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in quantum information research (experimental or theoretical), particularly quantum computing preferred.
• Postdoctoral experience or equivalent, preferred.
• Hands‑on experience building laser sources and components, and broad knowledge of laser types, preferred.
• Extensive experience with control electronics, preferred.
• Ability to assess current technical limitations and identify paths to future improvement, preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

JTEC Consulting LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Why work with JTEC?

Benefits And Total Rewards Overview

JTEC Consulting LLC offers a total rewards package to eligible team members:

Elective Insurance & Retirement Benefits:

• Medical Coverage: Group medical plans with company-paid employee premiums and subsidized dependent options.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Employer match of up to 4%, eligible after three months of service.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Company-paid Basic Life and Short-Term Disability (STD) coverage (must be elected during new hire onboarding).

Company-Provided Standard Benefits (Full-Time Employees):

• Paid Leave: Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual, company-paid Federal holidays, and floating holidays.
• Professional Development: Corporate support to maintain active credentials, acquire new certifications, and advance career skills.

Additional Incentives:

• Eligibility for professional referral bonuses, as well as role-specific sign-on or relocation assistance based on contract criteria.

Benefit eligibility, coverage, and terms are governed by official plan documents and contract requirements.

Salary

Salary ranges are advertised based on good faith estimates at the time of posting and reflect pay that JTEC anticipates for successful applicants. The estimated salary range displayed in this posting is dependent upon position requirements, individual qualifications, education, experience, location, and other job-related factors. Our recruiting team will review candidates' related experience and desired salary targets during the evaluation process. All qualified candidates will be considered.