Senior Quantum Networking Scientist

MacMore • Gaithersburg, MD

1d

About The Position

MacMore is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Quantum Networking Scientist for a proposal bid at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), Quantum Communications Division.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Quantum Physics, Quantum Engineering, Optical Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience conducting advanced quantum experiments.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience independently designing, implementing, testing, and validating quantum systems.
• Demonstrated experience with quantum networking, quantum communications, or quantum information science.
• Experience developing and operating entangled photon sources and quantum optical experiments.
• Experience performing quantum measurements, phase characterization, and stabilization techniques.
• Experience developing quantum hardware and experimental research platforms.
• Strong technical writing and scientific publication experience.
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative research environments involving government, academia, and industry partners.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with entanglement swapping experiments and quantum repeater architectures.
• Experience with quantum network testbeds and distributed quantum communication systems.
• Expertise in laser stabilization, optical cavity design, and frequency metrology.
• Familiarity with quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum networking protocols, and quantum internet research.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications in quantum communications, photonics, or related fields.
• Experience presenting research findings at technical conferences and standards organizations.
• Familiarity with NIST, federal laboratory, or federally funded research environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and establish a quantum engineering laboratory supporting network metrology experiments.
• Develop research plans and technical approaches for new quantum networking and measurement science initiatives.
• Recommend, procure, integrate, and configure specialized quantum instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
• Design and execute quantum networking experiments utilizing NIST quantum networking testbeds, including PQNI and DC-QNet.
• Develop polarization-entangled photon sources to support entanglement swapping experiments.
• Optimize pulse width, spectral characteristics, and source performance to achieve indistinguishable photon generation.
• Conduct two-photon interference experiments and evaluate visibility metrics to characterize source quality.
• Develop ultra-stable laser systems operating at 1550 nm for phase-sensitive communication protocols.
• Stabilize laser systems using high-performance optical cavities and evaluate phase noise, coherence length, and spectral linewidth performance.
• Support coherent communication experiments over quantum networking infrastructures.
• Collaborate with government scientists, researchers, and external partners to advance quantum networking capabilities.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, scientific publications, and conference materials.
• Provide monthly progress reports documenting accomplishments, findings, and deliverables.
• Mentor junior researchers and provide technical instruction on quantum networking concepts and photon-based information systems.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree