Quantum Scientist and Error Correction Specialist

Booz Allen Hamilton; Washington (District of Columbia); 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 architectures and integrate QEC models into our software stack. You will design syndrome‑extraction strategies, analyze logical fault‑tolerance, and collaborate across physics, engineering, and software teams to turn theory into practical capability.

You will mentor junior scientists, coordinate with academic and industry partners, and help shape resource optimization pathways while

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in quantum fault-tolerance theory, decoders, and stabilizer formalism.
• Experience with simulation tools such as 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize fault‑tolerant protocols compatible under 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 & non‑Clifford and teleportation‑based gates in a modular architecture.
• Compare magic‑state preparation methods, scheduling, and inventory management.
• Collaborate with physicists to determine implementation constraints and resource optimization pathways.
• Map QEC scheduling constraints onto architectural layout, minimizing noisy operations and temporal overhead.
• Co‑design logical decoder requirements with embedded firmware and control‑electronics teams.
• Contribute to the logical‑level Verification and Validation (V&V) pipeline.
• Collaborate with modeling and simulation experts to integrate noise models and determine fault‑tolerance requirements.
• Collaborate with software developers to integrate QEC models and decoders into Booz Allen’s quantum software stack.
• Support business development aligned with mission‑focused efforts.
• Mentor junior scientists and coordinate with academic and industry partners.

Skills

Quantum fault-tolerance theory

QEC simulation tools

Python

Julia

Tensor-network libraries

Peer‑reviewed publications

Top Secret clearance

Education

Doctorate in Quantum Information Science / Physics / Electrical Engineering / Computer Science / Applied Mathematics

Tools

QEC frameworks

Job description

Quantum Scientist and Error Correction Specialist

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’re 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 architectures. You’ll collaborate closely with theoretical and experimental physicists, engineers, and cross‑disciplinary innovators to design the next generation of fault‑tolerant quantum systems. In this role, 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.

Your work will include designing syndrome‑extraction strategies, analyzing logical‑gate fault‑tolerance, developing error mapping approaches, and creating rigorous logical‑level verification and validation methodologies. This is your chance to help turn the promise of quantum computing into real‑world capability, and to be part of a team helping to redefine what’s possible.

What You’ll Work On:

• Develop and optimize fault‑tolerant protocols compatible under 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 & non‑Clifford and teleportation‑based gates in a highly modular architecture.
• Compare magic‑state preparation methods, magic‑state 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’s 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 (V&V) 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 Booz Allen’s 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 (QCVV) 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

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well‑being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work‑life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full‑time and part‑time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $77,600.00 to $176,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in‑person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model

• Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
• Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
• Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

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.