Quantum Algorithm Development Lead

Description

Tyto Athene is seeking a Quantum Algorithm Development Lead to lead the development of quantum computing workloads for mission‑critical operations of the U.S. Federal Government, DoD, IC, and National Security sectors. This role is designed for a high‑level theorist with the entrepreneurial drive to lead a team of engineers and scientists and deliver differentiated value‑add for missions in contested environments. The successful candidate will be the architect of our quantum algorithm development program, leading foundational research to enable reliable workloads in the industry’s NISQ‑to‑FTQC transition.

They will bridge the gap between abstract mathematics and practical application, establishing a full‑stack quantum platform for algorithm deployment that serves the warfighter and the broader intelligence community.

• Establish Quantum Deployments with Real Value: Understand the needs of Tyto customers and what quantum and hybrid algorithms will be useful and appropriate for their workloads.
• Platform Selection: Establish precise criteria for selecting hardware providers and development environments based on specific use cases, navigating the rapid evolution of quantum hardware.
• Build a Community of Practice: Foster innovation by encouraging hackathons and challenges while managing the promotion of quantum solutions to production environments.
• Awareness of Algorithmic Breakthroughs: Keep an ear to the ground of academic and industrial research to rapidly incorporate innovations in the practice of quantum circuits and QUBOs.

• Algorithm Design: Design fault‑tolerant algorithms that support hybrid classical‑quantum workflows, ensuring seamless co‑existence with legacy stacks.
• Stability Modeling: Model qubit stability and implement critical error correction codes, such as surface codes, for both sensing and compute applications.
• Talent Upskilling: Build a development practice by mentoring and upskilling traditional classical application engineering talent to practically exploit quantum platforms.
• IP &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with "tuck‑in" entities to integrate intellectual property for quantum research units within the DoD, IC, and Department of Energy.

Required:

• Academic Background: PhD in Quantum Physics or Quantum Information.
• Quantum Algorithm Mastery: 5+ years of experience in the development and specialization of quantum and hybrid algorithms, targeting real‑world use cases.
• Error Correction
  
  Experience:
  
  An understanding of the methods and mechanisms necessary to use NISQ devices to implement hardened, productized quantum workloads.
• Strategic Partnering: Proven ability to curate preferred partners for quantum stacks and establish algorithmic offerings.
• Clearance Eligibility: Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance due to federal facing programs.

Desired:

• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• Prior experience within DoD labs such as AFRL or DARPA.
• Held patents in fault‑tolerant methods or experience building industry solution accelerators.
• A strong background in mentoring or teaching to help bridge the gap between theoretical physics and software engineering.

• Compensation is unique to each candidate and relative to the skills and experience they bring to the position. This does not guarantee a specific salary as compensation is based upon multiple factors such as education, experience, certifications, and other requirements, and may fall outside of the above‑stated range.

Tyto Athene, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, [sexual orientation, gender identity], national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by applicable law.