Senior Research Engineer – Defense Quantum Applications Lead

Senior Research Engineer - Defense Quantum Applications Lead

Job No: 503869
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Innovation & Collaboration Office - 250800
Pay Grade: R5 - Exempt
Advertised: September 15, 2026
Applications close: September 29, 2026

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to lead the development and transition of quantum computing applications supporting Department of Defense missions. This position will serve as a senior technical lead for UDRI's growing defense quantum computing efforts, working at the intersection of operational mission needs, advanced mathematics, optimization, and emerging quantum technologies. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of military operations and decision-making and will be able to translate complex operational challenges into well-defined technical problems that can be evaluated using quantum, hybrid quantum-classical, and advanced computational approaches.

The position does not require the candidate to be a quantum physicist; rather, it requires an exceptional problem solver who can understand operational needs, work effectively with quantum computing researchers and developers, and determine where emerging quantum capabilities may provide meaningful operational advantage. This is a full-time position requiring a high degree of independence, sound judgment, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate effectively with senior government leaders, military operators, researchers, industry partners, and technical teams.

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• 15 yrs of related experience is required
• Significant an relevant professional experience supporting military operations, defense analysis, operational planning, acquisition, research and development, or related Department of Defense activities.
• Ability to analyze complex operational or technical problems and develop structured, quantitative approaches to solving them.
• Strong understanding of mathematical modeling, optimization, decision analysis, simulation, or related analytical methods.
• Ability to independently lead complex technical efforts with limited supervision.
• Excellent critical thinking and judgment, including the ability to evaluate incomplete information, challenge assumptions, and develop defensible recommendations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical specialists, operational personnel, and senior leaders.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and work effectively across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen.

• Master's degree or higher in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, or another relevant quantitative discipline.
• Prior U.S. military service, with preference for candidates possessing relevant operational, planning, command, analytical, or mission experience.
• Experience applying operations research, optimization, modeling and simulation, or advanced analytics to real-world military problems.
• Familiarity with quantum computing concepts, including quantum optimization, quantum algorithms, hybrid quantum-classical methods, or quantum computational architectures.
• Experience working with quantum…