Quantum Researcher – Materials Science

JTEC Consulting, LLC; Maryland; On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k)

Life & Disability Insurance

PTO and holidays

Professional development

Job summary

JTEC Consulting LLC is seeking Quantum Researchers in the field of materials science to work on state‑of‑the‑art quantum materials projects in a secure government context. Candidates should bring deep experience in quantum physics, materials characterization, and modeling with a track record of technical leadership and collaboration across teams.

The role emphasizes envisioning new research directions, leading non‑supervisory efforts, and translating findings for future development.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship.
• Current U.S. government security clearance or eligibility to obtain a clearance.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
• Ability to convey technical and scientific issues concisely.
• Persuasive speaking and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support within materials as it relates to quantum physics.
• Assist government technical element with materials-related aspects.
• Conduct technical writing and prepare materials for presentation.
• Review and summarize related literature and emerging technologies.
• Integrate inputs from internal/external organizations and analyze deliverables.
• Develop and document testing methodologies aligned with program components.
• Perform technical risk analyses and reviews.

Skills

Quantum physics

Materials science

Theoretical modeling

Experimental work

DFT/Monte Carlo

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Education

PhD in physics

Tools

DFT software

Monte Carlo

TEM/SEM

Job description

Quantum Researcher — Materials Science

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 individuals with experience in quantum physics with specific experience in the field of materials. This position requires relevant theoretical, experimental, or modeling and simulation experience in materials science, characterization of the atomic properties of materials, and fabrication. Experience should include knowledge of novel or state-of-the-art materials systems.

Qualified candidates should have the ability to envision and articulate new areas of research, exploration, and avenues for novel approaches. This is a dynamic environment and requires team members to be comfortable with leading efforts, providing guidance, and transitioning those efforts for future development, while still monitoring and engaging in ongoing progress. Candidates should possess a demonstrated ability to review and analyze research and reports in this area of study. This work supports efforts that intersect with academic, national lab, and industrial researchers investigating cutting‑edge materials science. The ability to function as a technical leader (non‑supervisory) is strongly desired as is the ability to articulate concepts and work with clarity and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and subject matter expertise within the field of materials as it relates to quantum physics.
• Assist the government’s technical element with various technical aspects of the materials portfolio.
• Conduct technical writing and material for presentation.
• Conduct independent reviews and summaries of related technical literature and emerging technologies and participate in technical exchanges and workshops related to program technical areas.
• Assimilate and integrate technical inputs from internal / external organizations and analyze technical deliverables and reports.
• Develop and document testing methodology and protocols, ensuring they align with program technology components.
• Perform technical and risk analysis/review.

Technical Areas

Candidates should have experimental and/or theoretical experience in one or more of the following:

• Experimental and / or theoretical knowledge or experience in:
• Materials such as superconducting materials (Examples: Al, Nb, Ta, etc.)
• Insulators (Example oxides such as NbOx, AlOx, TaOx, nitrides, etc. and / or superconducting materials such as Ge, Si, etc.)
• Atomic-based modeling (Examples: DFT, Monte Carlo, etc.)
• Material properties (Examples: Thin films, material surfaces, interfaces, crystallography/grains/amorphous, defects (two level systems (TLS), two level fluctuators (TLF), quasi particles, charge noise, point defects, grains/boundary defects, etc.)
• Fabrication and / or growth knowledge (Examples: Lithography, annealing, etching, deposition, MBE, CVD, ALD, PVD, sputter, etc.
• Characterization techniques (Examples: TEM, SEM, STM, SPM, SIMS, XRD, FTIR, XPS, EDS/EDX, APT, etc.)
• Material structures
• Measurement techniques for measuring qubits
• The capacity to understand and determine current limitations as well as future improvements is preferred.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship.
• Current U.S. government security clearance or eligibility to obtain a clearance.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and efficiently within a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
• Ability to accurately convey technical and scientific issues to people with varying levels of expertise.
• Ability to write concisely.
• Persuasive speaking/writing skills.

Education and Experience

• PhD in physics or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional and / or research experience; experience in related research activity will be considered.
• At least one publication in a related subject area.

Preferred Experience

• Postdoc experience or equivalent, 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:

• 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.