Quantum Networking Metrology Scientist
Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, Maryland, 20899, USA
Listed on 2026-06-24
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Research/Development
Research Scientist, Physics -
Engineering
Research Scientist, Physics
1816699 Quantum Networking Metrology Support
Internal / Recruiter Version — includes government bill rate
RFQ
1816699 is for Quantum Networking Metrology Support for NIST, with place of performance listed as NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 222, Room A228, Gaithersburg, MD 20899. The RFQ is firm-fixed-price, small business set-aside, with period of performance 10/15/2026–10/14/2027.
Location: Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site/local preferred; limited remote work may be available for documentation, analysis, reporting, and coordination when approved by the Government.
Client Site: NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Building 222, Room A228, Gaithersburg, MD
Position Type: Full-time contract role
Period of Performance: October 15, 2026 – October 14, 2027
Target Candidate Pay Range: $101.20–$104.50/hour
Annualized Pay Equivalent: $210,496–$217,360, based on 2,080 hours
Security Clearance: No active clearance listed in the RFQ materials reviewed; candidate must be able to complete required Government/NIST access, badging, and onboarding processes.
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.
Key ResponsibilitiesThe Quantum Networking Metrology Scientist / Computer Scientist will support advanced quantum networking research and laboratory activities, including:
Responsibility Area Detailed Duties 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.
Required Qualifications
Candidates should meet or exceed the following minimum qualifications:
Requirement Detail 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…(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).