Quantum Research Scientist

Based in the Washington, D.C. Metro area, Pivot Path Solutions, LLC is a government contracting and business solutions firm that offers enterprise IT solutions, strategic and acquisition planning, organizational development, and medical research and analytics services to help customers adapt and thrive in changing market conditions. We are seeking a Quantum Research Scientist to support an anticipated National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) quantum research program. This is an onsite position in Gaithersburg, MD. 
 

Position Summary

The Quantum Research Scientist will conduct theoretical, experimental, or computational research supporting quantum information science and advanced measurement technologies. The successful candidate will bring demonstrated expertise in one or more areas, including quantum computing, quantum sensing and metrology, quantum communications and networking, quantum optics, superconducting or atomic quantum systems, quantum algorithms, or quantum error correction.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct theoretical, computational, or laboratory-based quantum research.
• Develop and evaluate quantum devices, algorithms, experimental systems, measurement methods, or network protocols.
• Characterize quantum-system performance, including noise, fidelity, coherence, uncertainty, scalability, and reliability.
• Develop scientific software for modeling, simulation, instrument control, data acquisition, processing, and visualization.
• Support quantum-system benchmarking, verification, calibration, and measurement standards.
• Analyze experimental and simulation results using statistically sound and reproducible methods.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, procedures, presentations, and supporting documentation.
• Present research findings during technical reviews, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
• Collaborate with physicists, engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, government researchers, universities, and industry partners.
• Maintain accurate research records and comply with laboratory safety, information-security, and data-integrity requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a US citizen. 
• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Quantum Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Materials Science, or a closely related field. A master’s degree with at least five years of directly relevant research experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated research experience in at least one quantum information science area.
• Experience designing experiments, developing theoretical or computational models, or evaluating complex scientific systems.
• Proficiency with Python or a comparable scientific programming language.
• Experience with scientific data analysis, visualization, and reproducible research practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, technical writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Ability to satisfy applicable federal facility-access, information-security, and export-control requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with superconducting circuits or qubits, trapped ions, neutral atoms, quantum photonics, single-photon systems, quantum sensors, or comparable quantum platforms.
• Knowledge of quantum tomography, benchmarking, error correction, fault tolerance, quantum algorithms, or many-body simulation.
• Experience with quantum-network architecture, entanglement distribution, routing protocols, control-plane development, or network simulation.
• Experience with cryogenic systems, microwave or RF measurements, lasers, optical systems, FPGA/RFSoC platforms, or microfabrication.
• Familiarity with Git, Linux, laboratory automation, and scientific software-development practices.
• Knowledge of precision measurement, calibration, measurement uncertainty, SI traceability, or technical standards development.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, patents, or successful research prototypes.
• Previous experience supporting NIST, another federal laboratory, a university research center, or a commercial quantum-technology program.

What We Offer:
Pivot Path Solutions strives to attract, motivate, and retain the best people in the industry. Our benefits package reflects our continued commitment to our employees by prioritizing the health and well-being of each member. The Company offers a comprehensive compensation package that includes:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous Contribution on Health, Dental and Vision Insurances
• 100% Employer Paid Group Life Insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Safe Harbor 401(K) Plan
• Health Saving Account (HSA)
• Healthcare Flexible Saving Account (FSA) and Dependent Care FSA
• Education Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program

U.S. Citizenship is required, and all selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation. This includes meeting the eligibility requirements for access to classified information and the ability to obtain government-granted security clearance. Individuals may also be subject to background investigation including criminal history, employment verification, education verification, drug testing, and creditworthiness.