Senior Quantum Computer Scientist

Lockheed Martin; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 344,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Flexible work arrangements

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

Lockheed Martin in Palo Alto is seeking a Senior Quantum Compute Scientist to lead research and development of quantum algorithms, collaborating with AI/ML teams and HPC resources. The role emphasizes rigorous analysis, prototype validation, and high-quality technical documentation for customers and partners.

The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in quantum computing physics and mathematics, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently within a

Qualifications

• Must have strong understanding of the physics and mathematics associated with Quantum Computing and the design and development of algorithms and applications of Quantum Computing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports, proposals, technical presentations, and interaction with customers, team members, suppliers, and academic/industry collaborators.
• Strong communication skills to discuss concepts with experts and non-experts.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision in a geographically distributed team environment.
• U.S. Citizen with willingness and ability to obtain security clearance

Responsibilities

• Perform research, analysis, design, and development of emerging technologies, techniques, and systems for data analytics and exploitation using quantum computing.
• Lead the conception, modeling, simulation, implementation, and testing of quantum based algorithms and applications, driving them from idea through validated prototype.
• Collaborate closely with AI/ML development teams to create performance modeling algorithms for quantum hardware and to leverage high performance compute clusters for testing and optimization of designs.
• Produce high quality technical documentation, including reports, proposals, and presentation materials, and communicate results effectively to internal teammates, external customers, and industry partners.
• Write proposals for new research and development contracts. Guide technical development projects, ensuring milestones are met while fostering strong, collaborative relationships across multiple business areas, with internal and external customers, suppliers, and academic or industry collaborators.

Skills

Quantum computing

Physics

Mathematics

Technical writing

Presentation skills

Independent work

Collaboration

Security clearance

Education

PhD in Physics

PhD in Applied Math / related field

Job description

Standard Job Description

For more than 15 years, Lockheed Martin has pioneered cutting-edge quantum technology spanning navigation, communications, and sensing, while leveraging the power of advanced quantum computing. To continue advancing these transformation capabilities, Lockheed Martin QuIC combines enterprise-level engineering rigor with the speed of innovation, empowering delivery of defense-ready quantum capabilities to outpace future threats.

We are seeking a Senior Quantum Compute Scientist to:

• Perform research, analysis, design, and development of emerging technologies, techniques, and systems for data analytics and exploitation using quantum computing.
• Lead the conception, modeling, simulation, implementation, and testing of quantum based algorithms and applications, driving them from idea through validated prototype.
• Collaborate closely with AI/ML development teams to create performance modeling algorithms for quantum hardware and to leverage high performance compute clusters for testing and optimization of designs.
• Produce high quality technical documentation, including reports, proposals, and presentation materials, and communicate results effectively to internal teammates, external customers, and industry partners.
• Write proposals for new research and development contracts. Guide technical development projects, ensuring milestones are met while fostering strong, collaborative relationships across multiple business areas, with internal and external customers, suppliers, and academic or industry collaborators.

The successful candidate will combine strong analytical abilities with excellent written and verbal communication skills, thrive in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment, and demonstrate the capacity to lead complex technical initiatives.

Standard Job Description

Focuses on research & development of technologies that enable and advance semi and fully autonomous systems for both defense and commercial customers. Serves as the algorithm expert with up-to-date knowledge on modern AI research and may be involved in the inception of ideas and drive the development cycles from research to test of prototypes for a major project or component of a major project.Researches and discovers improvements to machine learning and robotic algorithms; Drives advancements in techniques used in signal processing, computer vision (CV), and control systems; Develops AI algorithms for mission systems; Applies latest research on AI algorithms and trains machine learning / deep learning models to solve a variety of problems; Investigates and applies the latest machine learning and deep learning techniques; Optimizes the performance of AI algorithms, applications, and platforms; Develops and documents algorithm and implementation requirements; Develops prototypes that will enable autonomous functionality in LM products and platforms; Interfaces with other teams involved the development lifecycle for perception, mission and motion planning, simulation and modeling, testing, etc.

Basic Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the physics and mathematics associated with Quantum Computing and the design and development of algorithms and applications of Quantum Computing
• Strong technical writing, presentation and overall communication skills for reports, proposals, technical presentations, and interaction with customers, team members, suppliers, and academic/industry collaborators
• Strong communication skills to discuss concepts with experts and non-experts
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision in a geographically distributed team environment
• U.S. Citizen with willingness and ability to obtain security clearance

Desired Skills

• 5+ years of demonstrated quantum compute algorithm design experience
• PhD in Physics, Applied Math, or related area of study clearance

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $185400.00 - $344400.00

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only.Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.