Atomic Physicist / Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher - Experienced to Expert Level
Department: Department of Defense
Location(s): Fort Meade, Maryland
Salary Range: $132751 - $197200 Per Year
Job Summary: As an Engineering and Physical Science professional, you will use your skills to create the systems and tools that will be used to enhance the operation of intelligence. You will advise, administer and perform scientific projects, such as planning, designing, and constructing specialized equipment, and ensuring adherence to sound engineering and scientific standards and principles. For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1256939
Major Duties:
- NSA is home to one of the largest and most established in-house research organizations within the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), employing scientists with world-class skills in fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity. We collaborate with leading industries, universities, and national laboratories to advance core competencies, leverage work in overlapping disciplines, and solve some of the most challenging national security problems thought to be intractable by adversaries and commercial industry. NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) attracts top technical talent who not only solve the nation's urgent intelligence problems, but also invent what hasn't been invented and concentrate on what will be needed five, ten, fifteen years down the road. Through its partnership with the University of Maryland (UMD), LPS offers a unique environment where university, industry, and federal government scientists collaborate on research in advanced communication, sensing, and computer technologies. To learn more about LPS, visit: https://www.lps.umd.edu LPS is currently seeking an experienced Quantum Computing Technical Program Manager/ Atomic Physicist, who will be responsible for setting research goals and direct research focused on conducting experimental or theoretical studies to further understanding of the fundamental limitations of atomic qubit devices and platforms. Specific focus of this job is for applicants with an extensive history working with either trapped icon or neutral atom system for fault-tolerant quantum computing applications. As a valued member of the LPS team, you will leverage your expertise, ideas, and vision to: - Lead and oversee projects that shape the future of U.S. computing interests - Collaborate with leading scientists in quantum computing across government, industry, and academia to understand the latest state-of-the-art research, and identify future research gaps and needs - Implement strategies by directing U.S. Government investments - Advance U.S. leadership in Quantum Information Science (QIS) for the benefit of the entire nation Experience in the following areas related to solid-state qubits are desired: - Quantum Hardware Development, Operation, and Overcoming Challenges. This would include direct experience (either experimental or theoretical) with trapped ion systems or neutral atom arrays, either in simulation, modelling, fabrication or manipulation of atom temperatures, movements, gate operations and readout - Quantum Supporting Technologies and Methods such as experience with trap development (e.g. chip or tweezers), laser control systems or other room temperature optics or electronics - Quantum protocol development and performance evaluation, from single qubits to multi-qubits and quantum error correction - Characterization, analysis, and physical constraints of quantum systems - Evaluating current or future opportunities and limitations based on past, current, and projected performance - Maturing quantum technologies through multiple stages of development and levels of maturity - Several layers of a quantum information system hierarchy, from micro-physics to logical, and how each level impacts qubit performance
Qualifications: The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in either (1) Engineering, (2) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college, or (3) a relevant professional technical field (for example, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology). For Engineering degrees, if program is not ABET accredited, it must include specified coursework.* *Specified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress-strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i), computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) Any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics. Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing engineering or physical sciences work, or conducting academic or independent research in a technical field (for example, mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences). SENIOR Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 3 years of relevant experience. EXPERT Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 6 years of relevant experience.
How to Apply: To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1256939
Application Deadline: 2026-05-08