Quantum Networking Metrology Scientist​/Computer Scientist

Quantum Networking Metrology Scientist / Computer Scientist

SMX Services & Consulting is seeking a highly specialized Quantum Networking Metrology Scientist / Computer Scientist to support a federal quantum networking metrology effort for the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The selected candidate will provide advanced technical support for quantum communications research, quantum networking experiments, laboratory development, metrology methods, and technical reporting.

This role is best suited for a senior researcher or scientist with hands-on experience in quantum physics, quantum optics, quantum communications, entanglement-based systems, experimental quantum hardware, laser stabilization, and laboratory instrumentation.

Local candidates within commuting distance of Gaithersburg, Maryland are strongly preferred due to the anticipated onsite laboratory nature of the work.

The Quantum Networking Metrology Scientist / Computer Scientist will support advanced quantum networking research and laboratory activities, including:

• Quantum laboratory support
  - Support the setup, stabilization, operation, and documentation of experimental quantum networking and metrology laboratory capabilities.
• Quantum system design
  - Assist with design, implementation, testing, and refinement of experimental quantum systems and apparatus.
• Quantum optics and photonics
  - Support experimental work involving photons, lasers, optical paths, polarization control, entanglement, interference, detection, and related quantum optical components.
• Entangled photon systems
  - Contribute to development, testing, and optimization of entangled photon sources and quantum-state measurement approaches.
• Laser stabilization
  - Support ultra-stable laser work, including optical alignment, stabilization methods, cavity-related testing, phase-sensitive measurement support, and related documentation.
• Instrumentation and metrology
  - Assist with setup and operation of scientific instrumentation used in quantum networking and metrology experiments.
• Experimental planning
  - Help define test approaches, measurement plans, experimental controls, acceptance criteria, and data collection methods.
• Data analysis
  - Analyze experimental data, identify trends, evaluate performance, and support technical conclusions.
• Technical documentation
  - Prepare written technical materials, monthly progress reports, task reports, experimental procedures, findings, and recommendations.
• Government coordination
  - Work directly with NIST technical stakeholders, laboratory personnel, and project leads to ensure work aligns with research objectives.

Candidates should meet or exceed the following minimum qualifications:

• Education
  - PhD in Quantum Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Physics, Quantum Information Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience
  - Approximately 8+ years conducting quantum experiments or directly supporting experimental quantum physics research.
• Quantum systems
  - Demonstrated experience with quantum system design, implementation, testing, stabilization, or operation.
• Laboratory background
  - Hands-on experience in a research laboratory environment involving quantum optics, lasers, photonics, optical tables, detectors, or precision measurement systems.
• Quantum hardware
  - Experience supporting or developing quantum apparatus, optical systems, entangled photon systems, laser systems, or related experimental hardware.
• Documentation
  - Ability to produce clear scientific and technical reports, procedures, findings, and recommendations.
• Communication
  - Ability to communicate effectively with federal researchers, technical teams, and project stakeholders.
• Location
  - Ability to work primarily onsite in Gaithersburg, MD as required by the project.

Strong candidates will also have experience with one or more of the following:

• Quantum networking or quantum communications research.
• Quantum metrology, precision measurement, or time/frequency measurement.
• Entanglement swapping or entangled photon source development.
• Ultra-stable lasers, optical cavities, laser linewidth reduction, or phase-sensitive protocols.
• Fiber optics, free-space optics, polarization control, interferometry, or single-photon detection.
• Scientific programming for experiment control, data acquisition, or analysis.
• Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Mathematica, or similar scientific computing tools.
• Prior work with NIST, national laboratories, universities, or federally funded research programs.
• Experience preparing technical reports, journal-style technical documentation, or research presentations.