The Leidos Innovation Center (LInC) Quantum Technologies Team has an opening for a Quantum Communications Scientist with a background in quantum technologies / quantum information science, specifically with focuses on quantum optics and communications over fiber optics and/or free space. While experience with quantum computing may be beneficial background, this is NOT a position for quantum computing efforts or interests. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience to help grow the Leidos quantum communications portfolio of contract and internal R&D projects, benchmarking, and operational prototypes.  In this position, the Quantum Communications Scientist will participate in the full life cycle of research & development of quantum communications protocols and hardware for the study of quantum-enabled remote sensing and communications. Ideal candidates should be interested in a career devoted to applied research and development with strong experimental, hardware skills and should be interested in maturing technologies from concept to prototype. We seek intermediate level candidates (graduates with Masters/PhD, or 2 to 5 years of experience outside of academia).

Primary Responsibilities

Support ongoing research projects in quantum communicationsDesign, simulate, build, characterize, and analyze optics/optoelectronics/photonics experiments in various systems and platforms for cutting edge devices in quantum communication, sensing, and precision positioning, navigation, and timingPerform laboratory and field tests to prove and validate quantum experimental theories as viable products in applicable domains, and benchmark results within the fieldWriting proposals, publishing papers, attending and presenting at conferences, and briefing internal and external customerCollaborate with other team members, engineers, and scientists across the company and different fields to leverage quantum technologies to achieve organizational goals

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in physics, applied physics, engineering, or related fields and 4+ years of experience; Master's degree with 2+ years of experienceResearch experience and experimental background in one or more of the following areas: photonics, quantum communications, quantum information science, quantum optics, chip integrated photonics, quantum entanglementDemonstrated background in quantum communications hardware, protocols, lab or field deployment/testingFamiliarity with communications and optics lab design, set up, and operationExperience developing innovative solutions based upon the application of relevant research results from a wide variety of sourcesExperience building and benchmarking hardware and software prototypes, to include metrics development, and theoretical/analytical/computational skillsStrong technical writing skills with experience in writing advanced technical proposals.US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearanceStrong desire to learn new technologies and flexibility to change from one project to another quicklyExperience with standard programming languages for analytics or scientific applications, such as Python, Matlab, and LabviewAbility to effectively communicate to both technical and non-technical audiencesHighly motivated to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present research at conferences

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering, or related fieldsExperience in photonic design simulation with tools such as Lumerical or Tidy3DExtensive experience researching in any of quantum sources, sensing, low photon detection correlation, and quantum information technologyExperience and domain knowledge related to data processingInterest and experience in quantum communications, quantum networks, quantum sensingDemonstrated experience in proposing and winning independent research fundingElectronics and computer automation of laboratory experimentsExperience with big data applications, data science, or data analytics methods and toolsDoD Top Secret ClearanceOriginal Posting Date:2024-11-01

While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $81,250.00 - $146,875.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.