Quantum Scientist and Error Correction Specialist

Booz Allen Hamilton; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 77,600 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

Booz Allen Hamilton is seeking a Quantum Scientist and Error Correction Specialist to advance fault-tolerant quantum systems. You will collaborate with theorists and experimentalists to shape architectures and develop QEC concepts aligned with mission needs.

You will design and optimize protocols, analyze qubit connectivity, implement logical gates, and co-design decoders with software teams while guiding junior scientists and partners. A Top Secret clearance is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in quantum fault-tolerance theory, decoders, and stabilizer formalism.
• Experience with Python, Julia, QEC frameworks, and tensor-network libraries.
• Peer-reviewed publication experience in quantum error correction.
• Ability to collaborate with experimental teams for physical implementation.
• Top Secret clearance required.
• Doctorate in Quantum Information Science, Physics, EE, CS, or Applied Mathematics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize fault-tolerant protocols for realistic architectures.
• Analyze qubit connectivity and optimize resource usage.
• Design logical-gate implementations and teleportation-based gates.
• Collaborate with physics and engineering teams to meet constraints.
• Co-design decoders with software teams and integrate QEC models.
• Mentor junior scientists and coordinate with partners.

Skills

Quantum fault-tolerance theory

Decoders

Stabilizer formalism

Collaboration with experimental teams

Education

Doctorate in Quantum Information Science/Physics/EE/CS/Applied Mathematics

Tools

Python

Julia

QEC frameworks

Tensor-network libraries

Job description

Quantum Scientist and Error Correction Specialist

Job Number: R0244207

The Opportunity

Are you driven by the challenge of pushing quantum technology to its next frontier? Do you thrive at the intersection of deep science, creative engineering, and mission‑focused innovation? If you are excited to turn groundbreaking theory into practical capability, we have an opportunity that aligns with your passion.

As a Quantum Error Correction (QEC) Scientist, you will help shape the architecture of novel quantum computing systems. You will collaborate closely with theoretical and experimental physicists, engineers, and cross‑disciplinary innovators to design the next generation of fault‑tolerant quantum systems. You will guide the development of QEC concepts and protocols tailored to the selected architecture, optimize resource requirements, and advance the efficiency of error‑corrected quantum operations.

What You'll Work On

• Develop and optimize fault‑tolerant protocols compatible with realistic architectural constraints.
• Analyze and improve qubit connectivity in a reconfigurable architecture and exploit transversal and blockwise operations to improve performance and reduce computational time.
• Design logical‑gate implementations such as Clifford and non‑Clifford and teleportation‑based gates in a highly modular architecture.
• Compare magic‑state preparation methods, scheduling, and inventory management.
• Collaborate with atomic and solid‑state physicists to determine implementation constraints and resource optimization pathways.
• Map QEC scheduling constraints onto architectural layout, minimizing noisy operations and reducing QEC temporal overhead.
• Co‑design logical decoder requirements with embedded firmware and control‑electronics teams supporting fast, low‑latency operations.
• Contribute to the logical‑level verification and validation pipeline.
• Collaborate with modeling and simulation experts to integrate noise models into QEC protocols and determine fault‑tolerance requirements and logical‑level performance.
• Collaborate with software developers to integrate QEC models and decoders into the quantum software stack.
• Support business development consistent with mission‑aligned efforts.
• Mentor junior scientists and coordinate with academic and industry partners.

You Have

• 5+ years of experience in quantum fault‑tolerance theory, decoders, and stabilizer formalism.
• Experience in simulation tools including Python, Julia, QEC frameworks, and tensor‑network libraries.
• Experience with peer‑reviewed research in quantum error correction.
• Ability to collaborate with experimental teams to facilitate physical implementation.
• Top Secret clearance.
• Doctorate degree in Quantum Information Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics.

Nice If You Have

• Experience with noise modeling and designing QEC protocols for hardware‑constrained architectures.
• Experience with qLDPC codes and corresponding decoders.
• Experience with reconfigurable qubit architectures.
• Experience with quantum networking, photon‑mediated entanglement, and heralding systems.
• Experience with quantum characterization, verification, and validation techniques.
• Experience facilitating milestone demonstration events.

Clearance

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Top Secret clearance is required.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $77,600 to $176,000 per year (USD). Standards operations and Medicare, life, disability, and retirement benefits are provided, along with paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work‑life programs, and dependent care. Full‑time employees working at least 20 hours a week are eligible for the full benefit package.

Work Model

• Remote: The position may require occasional in‑person work at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
• Hybrid: Expect frequent work from a Booz Allen facility, with potential visits to customer sites.
• On‑site: Primarily performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility.

Commitment to Non‑Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.