Quantum Networking Metrology Scientist at SMX Services & Consulting, Inc. in Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, Maryland, 20877, USA
Listed on 2026-07-03
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Research/Development
Research Scientist, Physics
Quantum Networking Metrology Scientist / Computer Scientist
SMX Services & Consulting is seeking a highly specialized Quantum Networking Metrology Scientist / Computer Scientist to support advanced quantum networking and metrology research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The selected candidate will contribute to cutting-edge quantum communications and networking initiatives by supporting experimental quantum systems, laboratory development, precision measurement activities, data analysis, and technical reporting. This position is ideal for a senior-level researcher with extensive hands-on experience in quantum physics, quantum optics, photonics, quantum communications, laser systems, and experimental quantum hardware.
Due to the laboratory-intensive nature of the work, candidates located within commuting distance of Gaithersburg, Maryland are strongly preferred.
Job Title:
Quantum Networking Metrology Scientist / Computer Scientist
Location:
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Work Arrangement:
Primarily onsite; limited remote work may be authorized for documentation, reporting, analysis, and coordination activities with Government approval
Employment Type:
Full-Time Contract
Period of Performance:
October 15, 2026 - October 14, 2027
Target Pay Range: $101.20 - $104.50/hour
Annualized Equivalent:
Approximately $210,496 - $217,360 (based on 2,080 hours)
Security Clearance:
No active clearance required. Candidate must be eligible to complete all NIST access, badging, and onboarding requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the setup, operation, stabilization, maintenance, and documentation of experimental quantum networking and metrology laboratory capabilities.
- Assist with laboratory troubleshooting and optimization efforts.
- Support the design, implementation, testing, validation, and refinement of experimental quantum systems and apparatus.
- Contribute to the development of new quantum networking methodologies and experimental approaches.
- Perform experimental work involving lasers, photons, optical paths, polarization control, interference, entanglement, and quantum-state measurements.
- Support optical alignment and calibration activities.
- Assist in the development, testing, characterization, and optimization of entangled photon sources and measurement systems.
- Support experiments involving quantum state generation and verification.
- Support ultra-stable laser development and stabilization efforts.
- Assist with optical cavity characterization, phase-sensitive measurements, and related metrology activities.
- Operate and maintain instrumentation used in quantum networking and precision measurement experiments.
- Support calibration, testing, and performance validation activities.
- Develop test plans, measurement approaches, experimental controls, and data collection methodologies.
- Support execution of complex laboratory experiments.
- Analyze experimental data and evaluate system performance.
- Identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement.
- Develop technical conclusions and recommendations based on experimental results.
- Prepare technical reports, laboratory procedures, progress reports, findings, presentations, and supporting documentation.
- Maintain clear and accurate records of experimental activities.
- Work closely with NIST researchers, laboratory personnel, and project leadership to ensure alignment with program objectives and research priorities.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
Ph.D. in Quantum Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Physics, Quantum Information Science, or a closely related discipline
Experience:
Approximately 8+ years of experience conducting quantum experiments or supporting advanced experimental quantum physics research
Quantum Systems:
Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, testing, stabilizing, or operating experimental quantum systems
Laboratory
Experience:
Hands-on experience working in research laboratory environments involving quantum optics, photonics, lasers, detectors, optical tables, or precision measurement systems
Quantum Hardware:
Experience supporting or developing experimental quantum hardware, optical systems, entangled photon systems, or laser-based…
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