Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer

Quantum Sky; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Sky seeks a Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer to design, implement, and optimize quantum and hybrid-classical workloads for mission-critical U.S. government programs. You will lead technical workstreams and mentor junior developers while advancing quantum solutions across NISQ and FTQC architectures.

This role requires a PhD or Master’s degree, 5–8+ years of experience, and U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in a technical field related to quantum computing.
• 5–8+ years of experience developing quantum algorithms.
• Experience with quantum software frameworks: Qiskit, PennyLane, Cirq, CUDA-Q, Amazon Braket.
• Proficient in Python.
• Knowledge of quantum circuits, gates, optimization, emulation, and variational methods.
• Familiarity with NISQ devices and error mitigation or quantum error correction.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Adapt quantum algorithms to mission-specific use cases and lead technical workstreams.
• Design, implement, and optimize quantum algorithms for NISQ and FTQC architectures.
• Mentor junior developers; contribute to publications, patent filings, and proposals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate quantum solutions into mission architectures.
• Document designs, research findings, and implementation approaches.
• Contribute to internal innovation initiatives and proposals.

Skills

Python

Qiskit

PennyLane

Cirq

CUDA-Q

Amazon Braket

Quantum circuits

Quantum gates

Quantum optimization

Quantum emulation

Variational algorithms

US Citizenship

Strong analytical skills

Education

PhD or Master’s degree in Quantum Physics, Quantum Information Science, CS, or Applied Mathematics

Job description

Description

Quantum Sky is searching for a Senior Quantum Algorithm Developerto develop quantum computing workloads for mission-critical operations supporting the U.S. Federal Government, Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and National Security sectors. This role is ideal for a technically strong quantum computing professional who is passionate about translating advanced quantum algorithms into practical solutions for real-world mission challenges.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, and evaluation of quantum algorithms that support the industry's transition from Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) systems to Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC). Working alongside engineers, scientists, and mission stakeholders, this individual will help bridge the gap between theoretical quantum computing concepts and deployable applications for defense and intelligence missions.

Key Responsibilities: Adapt existing quantum algorithm development techniques to mission-specific use cases; lead technical workstreams; design, implement, and optimize quantum algorithms for NISQ and FTQC architectures; mentor junior developers; contribute to technical publications, patent filings, and proposal efforts; and help curate and evolve the quantum algorithm curriculum for Quantum Sky's Quantum Community of Practice, supporting internal knowledge sharing and technical development.

Quantum Algorithm Development

• Design, develop, and optimize quantum and hybrid classical-quantum algorithms for mission-relevant applications.
• Implement quantum algorithms using leading quantum software development frameworks and hardware platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate quantum solutions into broader software and mission architectures.
• Develop and evaluate Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithms (QAOA), Variational Quantum Eigensolvers (VQE), Quantum Machine Learning (QML), Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT), Grover's Search, and other quantum algorithms as appropriate for mission requirements.
• Contribute to the development of fault-tolerant algorithms that support hybrid classical-quantum workflows.

Research & Technical Innovation

• Research emerging quantum algorithms, architectures, and development frameworks.
• Evaluate new quantum hardware and software capabilities to determine applicability to customer use cases.
• Model qubit performance and contribute to error mitigation and quantum error correction efforts.
• Prototype and benchmark quantum solutions across multiple quantum computing platforms.

Collaboration

• Work closely with software engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and government stakeholders to translate mission requirements into quantum solutions.
• Participate in technical reviews, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and customer engagements.
• Document designs, research findings, and implementation approaches.
• Contribute to internal innovation initiatives, technical papers, and proposal efforts.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD or Master's degree in Quantum Physics, Quantum Information Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field.
• 5–8+ years of experience developing quantum algorithms or quantum software.
• Experience developing quantum or hybrid classical-quantum algorithms targeting practical use cases.
• Proficiency with one or more quantum development frameworks such as:
• Qiskit
• PennyLane
• Cirq
• CUDA-Q
• Amazon Braket
• Experience programming in Python.
• Understanding of quantum computing fundamentals, including:
• Quantum circuits
• Quantum gates
• Quantum optimization
• Quantum emulation
• Variational algorithms
• Familiarity with NISQ-era devices and techniques for error mitigation or quantum error correction.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance due to federal-facing programs.

Desired:

• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• Experience supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, DOE, AFRL, DARPA, or other federal research organizations.
• Experience with quantum optimization (QUBOs), QAOA, VQE, or quantum machine learning.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC), GPU computing, or hybrid computing architectures.
• Publications, patents, or open-source contributions related to quantum computing.
• Experience working in Agile software development environments.

About Tyto Athene

Compensation:

• Compensation is unique to each candidate and relative to the skills and experience they bring to the position. The salary range for this position is typically between $190,000 and $230,000. This does not guarantee a specific salary as compensation is based upon multiple factors such as education, experience, certifications, and other requirements, and may fall outside of the above-stated range.

Benefits:

• Highlights of our benefits include Health/Dental/Vision, 401(k) match, Paid Time Off, STD/LTD/Life Insurance, Referral Bonuses, professional development reimbursement, and parental leave.

The world the mission operates in is going post-quantum, contested, and machine-speed. Quantum Sky engineers the advantage across cyber, networks, software, and quantum because the mission demands dominance, not parity. We don't follow the map. We draw it.

At Quantum Sky, we believe that success starts with our people. We foster a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven environment where every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of technology. Are you ready to join #TeamQuantumSky?

Quantum Sky Engineering LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, [sexual orientation, gender identity,] national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by applicable law.