Engineering Technical Leader-Technical Leader, Distributed Quantum Computing and Quantum Networ

The application window is expected to close on: 07/20/2026. Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

The Outshift by Cisco team is one of the Cisco’s most visible innovation organizations, driving the next generation of transformative technologies and business opportunities. As part of the Strategy, Incubation & Applications group led by Cisco’s Chief Strategy Officer, you will collaborate with some of the company’s most forward-thinking researchers, engineers, and technology leaders. Within the Outshift Quantum Research team and Quantum Labs, we are pioneering the design and development of practical, scalable, and efficient quantum networking technologies — foundational building blocks for the future Quantum Internet.

Our multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers is dedicated to advancing the state of the art in quantum networking, distributed quantum systems, and quantum-enabled applications.

• Conduct competitive industry and academic research and development in quantum networking.
• Work with Engineers and scientists in defining, designing, and executing the R&D prototype development plan.
• Contribute to Cisco’s vision in quantum networking, encompassing quantum hardware, software, applications, and use cases.
• Have a proven grasp on overall landscape forquantum network technologies and develop a clear strategy around how to elevate competitive differentiators.
• Contribute to the creation of technology and use case demonstration definition as well as defining a technology roadmap that elevates the competitive differentiators at every stage. Define value prop and return on investment at each stage.
• Collaborate with marketing team in identifying key collaterals – documents, data sheets, value props, presentation decks, ROI calculators, demos

Cisco Quantum Research is seeking a highly skilled Scientist with quantum computing or quantum networking theory background to join our Team.

• You will collaborate with a dynamic group of scientists and engineers to develop cutting-edge quantum networking solutions.
• Your role will involve both scientific research and the prototype development of software and algorithms for Cisco’s quantum network controller and distributed quantum computing compiler.
• Theoretical analysis and development of novel scientific methods and technological solutions to address grand challenges in scalable dynamic quantum entanglement networking with specific focus on distributed quantum computing, distributed error correction as well as quantum enhanced classical applications (beyond security).
• Develop novel algorithms and protocols for the control and management of entanglement distribution networks.
• Develop novel algorithms for Cisco’s quantum network controller and contribute to its implementation.
• Develop novel algorithms for Cisco’s distributed quantum computing compiler platform and contribute to its implementation.
• Provide theoretical support for experimental scientists and engineers working on development of prototype quantum networking systems and subsystems.
• Lead and participate in multiple R&D projects.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results, proposing solutions for improvement.
• Write peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, and present research results at conferences.
• Contribute to lab and team development.
• Supervise postdocs and PhD interns.

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in quantum networking (beyond QKD) or quantum computing post-PhD.
• Educational and/or professional experience with quantum information concepts.
• Experience leading research projects and/or publishing research papers on top journals and conferences.

• 1+ years of experience in developing simulation tools.
• Research track record in quantum computing.
• Familiarity with quantum entanglement protocols.
• Familiar with error correction and distillation protocols.
• Familiar with physical models of major quantum computing modalities.
• Understanding of standard optical…