Quantum Network Scientist

SAIC • Charleston, SC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a Quantum Network Scientist to join its team in North Charleston, South Carolina. This is a hybrid remote role, and the ideal candidate will be local to the North Charleston area. The position requires specialized experience of more than one year in at least one of the following areas: optical quantum metrology, quantum-enabled optical communications, or quantum networks.

Optical quantum metrology work may involve generating, detecting, characterizing, and verifying quantum states of light; using entanglement to improve measurement sensitivity; and developing protocols and characterization tools for single-photon sources, detectors, and components. Applications include entanglement distribution, synchronization of quantum network nodes, component characterization, and quantum-enhanced measurements.

Quantum-enabled optical communications involves experimentally implementing quantum-enabled classical and quantum optical communication links over fiber and free-space channels using quantum information science, quantum measurement science, and quantum state detection. Quantum key distribution is included but is not the focus; experience creating hybrid classical and quantum networks is preferred.

Quantum networking work includes research and development to optimize quantum optical networks across fiber and free-space testbeds. This can include evaluating quantum-system performance in heterogeneous networks; integrating quantum components; studying network links; optimizing timing synchronization, phase control, and polarization control; developing network-management protocols; and conducting quantum experiments and communications such as entanglement distribution and teleportation.

The role is available at intermediate and senior levels. No clearance is required to start, but the candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance. The target salary range is $160,001–$200,000, with the estimate dependent on experience and other factors.

Requirements

• Specialized experience of more than one year in at least one of optical quantum metrology, quantum-enabled optical communications, or quantum networks.
• Intermediate level: bachelor’s degree and five years of work experience, or four additional years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Senior level: bachelor’s degree and nine years of work experience; or master’s degree and seven or more years; or PhD or JD and four or more years of work experience.
• No clearance required to start; must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Must be local to the North Charleston, South Carolina area.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using quantum optical effects to create hybrid classical and quantum networks.

Responsibilities

• Develop measurement protocols and characterization tools for single-photon sources, detectors, and components.
• Conduct quantum-enabled optical communications experiments over fiber and free-space channels.
• Research and develop methods to optimize quantum optical networks across fiber and free-space testbeds.
• Evaluate quantum systems and their performance in heterogeneous quantum networks.
• Develop methods to integrate quantum components into real-world heterogeneous quantum networks.
• Develop and implement methods to study quantum network links, including tomography measurements and fiber characterization.
• Design, implement, and test methods to optimize photonic quantum networks, including timing synchronization, phase control, and polarization control.
• Develop and test management protocols for quantum communications over a quantum network.
• Develop and execute quantum network experiments and communications, such as entanglement distribution and teleportation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level