Research Scientist - Quantum

TAP Engineering LLC; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (15–25 days)

401(k) match and profit sharing

Medical coverage for employees

Dental & Vision plans

Life insurance and disability coverage

FSAs (Healthcare & dependent care)

Tuition reimbursement up to $36,000/yr

Wellness incentives and travel support

Merit and referral bonuses

Job summary

TAP Engineering LLC in the United States is seeking a Research Scientist - Quantum to advance quantum information science through theory, experiment, or modeling of superconducting qubits. Join a dynamic team addressing national priorities and lead efforts with minimal supervision.

The role emphasizes research leadership, technical writing, and collaboration across disciplines, with compensation reflecting experience and security clearance requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in superconducting qubits: theory, experiment, or modeling.
• Ability to communicate technical issues concisely.
• Strong writing and persuasive speaking skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and expertise in SSQIS.
• Assimilate and analyze inputs and deliverables.
• Coordinate and manage SSQIS research portfolio.
• Conduct technical writing and presentations.
• Review related literature and participate in workshops.
• Develop testing methodologies aligned with program components.
• Coordinate task scheduling and monitor progress vs cost/schedule.
• Perform risk analysis and tracking.

Skills

Superconducting qubits

Qubit design

Qubit fabrication

Qubit control/readout

Qubit gates

Performance benchmarking

Technical writing

Communication

Persuasive speaking/writing

Education

PhD or equivalent in related field

Bachelor's degree in physical science or engineering

Postdoc experience preferred

Job description

Position Overview
TAP Engineering is seeking a Research Scientist - Quantum to support leading-edge research and engineering associated with the physical sciences, including quantum computing, advanced computing systems, additive manufacturing, photonics, advanced materials, and microelectronics. The Quantum Research Scientist will support applied research in strategic topics identified as National Priorities within the field of Solid State & Quantum Information Science (SSQIS). This position requires experience / knowledge in theoretical, experimental, or modeling and simulation with superconducting qubits. Knowledge areas may include but aren’t limited to qubit design / optimization; qubit fabrication, control, and readout; gates; performance benchmarking; and related knowledge / technologies. Demonstrated ability to review and analyze research and reports in this area of study relating to quantum computing and qubit technologies is required.

Qualified candidates will 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. 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and expertise in the area of SSQIS
• Assimilate and integrate technical inputs from performers and analyze technical deliverables and reports.
• Assist the government’s technical element in the management of the SSQIS research portfolio.
• Conduct technical writing and materials for presentation.
• Conduct independent review and summaries of related technical literature and emerging technologies and participate in technical exchanges and workshops related to program technical areas.
• Develop and document testing methodology and protocols, ensuring they align with program technology components.
• Coordinate, align, and schedule technology development tasks and perform continuous analysis of technical progress in comparison to planned cost and schedule.
• Perform technical and programmatic risk analysis/review and tracking.

Required Qualifications
Qualified candidates will have experience in one or more of the following (the capacity to understand and determine current limitations as well as future improvements is preferred):

• Theoretical, experimental, and / or modeling and simulation of superconducting qubits
• Qubit design and optimization
• Qubit fabrication
• Qubit control and readout
• Qubit gates
• Performance benchmarking
• Analysis of error sources
• Ability to accurately convey technical and scientific issues to people with varying levels of expertise.
• Ability to write concisely.
• Persuasive speaking/writing skills.

The research team includes research scientists at multiple levels, ranging from Junior to Principal depending upon education and experience:

• Level 1 - No Degree with 6+ years of experience; Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of related experience; Master’s degree with 1+ years of related experience
• Level 2 - No Degree with 12+ years of experience; Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of related experience; Master’s degree with 6+ years of related experience; or Ph.D. with 4+ years of related experience
• Level 3 - No Degree with 16+ years of experience; Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of related experience; Master’s degree with 10+ years of related experience; or Ph.D. with 8+ years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in quantum information research (experimental or theory), particularly in quantum computing research, preferred.
• Postdoc experience or equivalent, preferred.
• Expertise in quantum information theory, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and efficiently within a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment, preferred.

Compensation
The anticipated salary range for this position is $80,000–$230,000, based on relevant experience, qualifications, and other applicable factors. The compensation range provided is a general guideline and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

Clearance Requirement

• Active TS/SCI security clearance with appropriate polygraph is preferred.
• For uncleared candidates, this position will require the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. Clearance processing will be completed by the U.S. Government. Factors considered for a U.S. Government Security Clearance include, but are not limited to:
  • U.S. Citizenship (Required)
  • Favorable Criminal History Check
  • Education Verification
  • Abuse/Illegal Drug Use
  • Credit Check
  • Subject Interview

Benefits Overview
TAP Engineering offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Paid Time Off: 15–25 days annually based on tenure, plus 11 paid holidays (never use-or-lose)
• Retirement: Up to 15% employer contribution to a 401(k) through match and profit sharing
• Medical Coverage: Free medical insurance for employees, with optional buy-up plans for dependents
• Dental & Vision: Employer-paid plans with optional enhancements
• Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care FSAs
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $36,000 per year for approved coursework
• Additional Benefits: Employee Assistance Program, wellness incentives, discount programs, virtual care, prescription savings, and travel support
• Performance-Based Rewards: Merit increases, performance bonuses, and referral bonuses

Additional Information
TAP Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.