Solid-State Physicist / Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher - Experienced to Expert Level (Maryland)

National Security Agency; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 133,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

National Security Agency seeks a Quantum Computing Technical Program Manager/Solid-State Physicist to set research goals and direct studies toward fault-tolerant quantum computing. You will lead experimental and theoretical work on superconducting qubits and spin qubits, with a focus on spin-based quantum dots.

Join a collaborative team connecting government, industry, and academia to map research gaps and direct investments that advance U.S.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college (ABET if applicable).
• Senior/Expert entry paths: Bachelor +7y, Master +5y, Doctoral +3y (relevant experience).
• Experience in engineering or physical sciences research is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee projects shaping the future of U.S. computing interests.
• Collaborate with scientists across government, industry, and academia to identify gaps and needs.
• Direct U.S. Government investments and advance leadership in Quantum Information Science.

Skills

Quantum computing knowledge

Project management

Cross‑functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Engineering, Physics or Astronomy

Job description

Responsibilities

NSA is home to one of the largest and most established in-house research organizations within the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), employing scientists with world-class skills in fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity. We collaborate with leading industries, universities, and national laboratories to advance core competencies, leverage work in overlapping disciplines, and solve some of the most challenging national security problems thought to be intractable by adversaries and commercial industry. NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) attracts top technical talent who not only solve the nation’s urgent intelligence problems, but also invent what hasn't been invented and concentrate on what will be needed five, ten, fifteen years down the road. Through its partnership with the University of Maryland (UMD), LPS offers a unique environment where university, industry, and federal government scientists collaborate on research in advanced communication, sensing, and computer technologies. To learn more about LPS, visit: https://www.lps.umd.edu LPS is currently seeking an experienced Quantum Computing Technical Program Manager/Solid‑State Physicist responsible for setting research goals and direct research focused on conducting experimental or theoretical studies to further understand the fundamental limitations of qubit devices and platforms. Specific focus of this job is for applicants with an extensive history working with either superconducting qubits or solid‑state spin qubits (with a preference for spin‑based gate defined quantum dots), with applicability to fault‑tolerant quantum computing. As a valued member of the LPS team, you will leverage your expertise, ideas, and vision to:

• Lead and oversee projects that shape the future of U.S. computing interests
• Collaborate with leading scientists in quantum computing across government, industry, and academia to understand the latest state‑of‑the‑art research, and identify future research gaps and needs
• Implement strategies by directing U.S. Government investments
• Advance U.S. leadership in Quantum Information Science (QIS) for the benefit of the entire nation

Experience in the following areas related to solid‑state qubits are desired:

• Quantum Hardware Development, Operation, and Overcoming Challenges. This would include direct experience (either experimental or theoretical) with superconducting circuits or spin‑based qubits, either in design, simulation, modelling, fabrication and experimental manipulation such as gate operations and readout or the running of quantum algorithms
• Quantum Supporting Technologies and Methods such as experience with packaging, experimental setup, mixed‑signal control systems or other room temperature electronics
• Quantum protocol development and performance evaluation, from single qubits to multi‑qubits and quantum error correction
• Characterization, analysis, and physical constraints of quantum systems
• Evaluating current or future opportunities and limitations based on past, current, and projected performance
• Maturing quantum technologies through multiple stages of development and levels of maturity
• Several layers of a quantum information system hierarchy, from micro‑physics to logical, and how each level impacts qubit performance

Job Summary

As a Technical Intelligence & Science Services professional, you will use your skills to create the systems and tools that will be used to enhance the operation of intelligence. You will advise, administer and perform scientific projects, such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. The NSA offers multiple areas of focus for facilities engineers, including computer, architectural, electrical, mechanical, and structural. In addition, we are seeking skills that include computer design, microelectronics, radio frequency design, and systems engineering. Apply your science and engineering skills to protect the nation.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in either (1) Engineering, (2) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college, or (3) a relevant professional technical field (for example, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology). For Engineering degrees, if program is not ABET accredited, it must include specified coursework.* *Specified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress‑strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i), computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) Any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics. Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing engineering or physical sciences work, or conducting academic or independent research in a technical field (for example, mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences). SENIOR Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 3 years of relevant experience. EXPERT Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 6 years of relevant experience.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary Range: $132,751 - $197,200 (Senior, Expert) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Schedule: This is a full‑time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible). DCIPS Trial Period: If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two‑year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference‑eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one‑year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

DCIPS Disclaimer

• VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS** Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority. Veterans' Preference In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, \"DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement\", NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application. Acceptable documentation includes: - DD-214: \"Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty\", which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR - Certification of Service: A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND - Standard Form 15 (SF-15) Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf). If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND - VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating) You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/). **Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.

Skills

You are someone who has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a desire to guide and influence a broad research community, thrives on solving problems, and is able to:

• Apply knowledge of mathematics, engineering, and physical sciences to analyze problems and determine technical solutions
• Work effectively across several different functional areas in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment
• Handle and prioritize multiple assignments
• Synthesize information to solve complex problems
• Ability to clearly communicate to peers and leadership in a variety of methods and forums