Quantum Network Manager

Department

PME Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE)

About the Department

The Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) is an intellectual hub for advancing the science and engineering of quantum information between the CQE community, across the Midwest, and around the globe. A catalyst for research activity across its member and partner institutions, the CQE is based at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and is anchored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Northwestern University, and Purdue University.

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary

The Quantum Network Manager is responsible for launching and supporting the programming and maintenance of the Midwest Quantum Network Facility. This role will include overseeing hardware and software experiments and deployments, and vendors related to quantum networking, as well as working with other technical staff at partnering organizations. The position requires experience and expertise in telecommunications, programming, project management, field deployments, and customer relations. The Quantum Network Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with University, government, and industry security and regulatory protocols. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Quantum Exchange and collaborates closely with the PME Executive Director of Information Technology.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the launch and maintenance of the Midwest Quantum Network Facility, focusing on reducing optical losses, optimizing network control and applications, integrating control devices, and facilitating the incorporation of new quantum components and protocols through collaboration with academic, government, and industry experts.
• Leads the expansion of the quantum network infrastructure to deploy and integrate additional quantum nodes into the network.
• Represents the Midwest Quantum Network Facility in technical engagements with external stakeholders, including industry partners, federal agencies, and research collaborators.
• Interfaces with central IT and Facilities stakeholders to ensure the quantum network infrastructure meets University and Midwest Quantum Network Facility strategic goals.
• Collaborates with CQE to distill complex technical milestones into actionable narratives for executive leadership and board-level stakeholders.
• Collaborates with technical staff at partnering organizations to develop secure quantum networking technologies, including U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Northwestern University, and Purdue University.
• Deploys quantum networking and related technologies, such as low-loss, fiber-based quantum repeaters, quantum-classical hybrid systems, and optimizes fiber infrastructure for secure data transmission.
• Implements fiber-optic links for quantum entanglement distribution and quantum communication networks. Deploys hardware to interface qubits with optical fibers, such as high-efficiency single-photon sources and detectors.
• Reports on site readiness, risk analysis, and strategic planning to senior leadership.
• Broadens the scope of the Midwest Quantum Network Facility by investigating long-range connections to other regional and national quantum networks.
• Provides support to maintain the operation and service levels of quantum networking systems.
• Clearly communicates and presents technical information to both technical team members and employees who may not be familiar with quantum networking terminology.
• Solves complex problems relating to the consulting services of vendors, including the development of project statements of work and determining vendor resource requirements.
• Leads the development, design, and implementation of a Networking Services and Information Technologies (NSIT) network. Creates project plans for network design, implementation, and upgrades/modifications to existing networks.
• Manages the installation of network hardware, communications wiring, wireless telecommunication facilities, communications software, and other network components. Identifies problems with network components and services. Conducts trending and analysis of network traffic patterns and makes recommendations.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - Cisco

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• A bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, quantum engineering, physics, computer science, or related technical field.

Experience:

• 7 + years of progressive experience with classical or quantum networks, including network timing, optical switching, and synchronization.        

Certifications:

• Industry certifications related to specific technical areas.    

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of optical fiber propagation, photonics, and dealing with fiber losses.
• Familiarity with quantum mechanics, entanglement, quantum memories, and/or QKD protocols.
• Proficient in computer programming (Python, Visual Studio C/C++, etc.).
• Proficient skills in security implementation around various compliance regulations and risk management.
• Proficient skills in routing, switching, firewalls, and protocols skills.
• Complex quantum network issues resolution skills.
• Proficient quantum networking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.​

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, presentation, and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented with a critical degree of accuracy used to manage complex systems.
• A self-starter, able to work assigned tasks with minimal direction, and think independently.
• Critically assess the results of tasks and directed checks to ensure successful outcomes.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3) (preferred)

Job Family

Information Technology

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$130,000.00 - $155,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.