Solid-State Physicist​/Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher

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

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD

Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 13/1 to 15/10

Open: , Close:

Job Posting: 1262670

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.eduLPS 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

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.

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…