Quantum Scientist

Responsibilities:

Noblis is seeking Principal Engineers / Quantum Scientists to support the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aeronautics and Exploration Technology directorates at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC). Employees will perform complex tasks related to scientific research associated with air traffic management, advanced technology, nanoelectronics, prototype software, and quantum computing, particularly the improvement of aircraft and airspace safety as well as the transition of advanced aeronautics technologies into future air vehicles. The goal of the research effort is to improve current models of quantum computing (in particular gate-model and quantum annealing) or to study unconventional paradigms of computation (for instance, optically Coherent Ising Machines).

This can involve design of experiments to run on emerging hardware to give insights into quantum approaches to problems of interest to NASA and other partners from the U.S. Government, academia, and industry. The researcher explores the physics of quantum algorithms, the robustness of the hardware, develops best practice programming techniques for quantum hardware, and illuminates the inner workings to better understand the mechanisms (e.g. entanglement, co-tunneling, many-body effects etc.) that can be used to provide a quantum computational advantage.

Example research problems include:

• Follow, understand and review the technological developments in the sector of quantum computing, and related tangential domains, including the emergence of other post-Moore computing platforms.
• Develop new analytical, or experimental, or numerical techniques to better analyze realistic quantum computational paradigms.
• Invent and analyze new quantum algorithms or protocols of computation.
• Develop, and test applications of quantum computing for specific problems such as those involving planning and scheduling of unmanned aerial systems and autonomous mobile robots, data analysis, and a number of other partner problems in the domain of optimization and machine learning.
• Develop beyond-state-of-art classical computing techniques (optimization, machine learning).

• Minimum of Master's degree or Ph.D. degree, in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Computer Engineering, or related.
• Either relevant postdoctoral work or research experience in the field of Quantum Physics, or Applied Mathematics, or Applied Computer Science
• 1 to 3 years of relevant work experience dependent upon degree.
• Proven organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar and its applications.
• Ability to understand and code proof-of-concepts in a modern programming language

Mid Level: 

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or equivalent. 
• Seven or more years of experience 

• Experienced in publishing related work in peer reviewed journals, and contributing to obtaining new funding in the areas above.
• Proficiency in writing documents with mathematical notations in TeX/LaTex.
• Experience developing analytical and numerical models and algorithms, quantum and classical.
• Experience building theoretical or software tools that enable effective use of near-term quantum hardware.
• Experience with theoretical physics methods of analysis, optimization or machine learning methods.

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI, and Noblis MSD tackle the nation's toughest problems and apply advanced solutions to our clients' most critical missions. We bring the best of scientific thought, management, and engineering expertise together in an environment of independence and objectivity to deliver enduring impact on federal missions. Noblis works with a wide range of government clients in the defense, intelligence and federal civil sectors. Learn more at Noblis -About Us

Why work at a Noblis company?

Our employees find greater meaning in their work and balance the other things in life that matter to them. Our people are our greatest asset. They are exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, team-oriented, and mission-driven individuals who want to do work that matters and benefits the public. Noblis has won numerous workplace awards. Noblis maintains a drug-free workplace.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.

EEO is the Law  |  E-Verify  |  Right to Work

At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site.

Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis’ total compensation package.