Quantum Researcher/Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher - Mid to Expert Level (Maryland) Job in Fort Meade, MD

Vacancy No. 1244433 Department National Security Agency/Central Security Service
Salary $104,219.00 to $195,200.00 Grade 11 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/6/2025 Close Date 2/17/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Meade, MD


Summary

The NSA invites you to be part of an elite team that's making a global impact by researching and developing revolutionary ideas. As a Quantum Researcher at NSA, your creativity and that of your team is essential to investigating and implementing effective technical solutions for our Nation.

Duties

NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) drives physical sciences research in future information technologies to prevent technological surprise. Founded in 1956 in partnership with the University of Maryland, LPS has evolved a model of basic and applied research that focuses on government engagement with academia and industry.

LPS is seeking a skilled set of scientists with experience in quantum technologies, driven to push the frontiers of science. Our quantum information scientists work in a fast-paced team environment where university, industry, and federal government scientists collaborate on research in quantum and cryogenic devices, advanced communication, sensing, and computer technologies.

LPS is excited to leverage your expertise, ideas, and vision to serve in one of the following roles:

Quantum Information Science Researcher:
Conduct experimental or theoretical research into the fundamental limitations of qubit devices and the development of novel qubits with the potential to disrupt the application space of quantum technologies.

Quantum Information Science Researcher - Team Leader:
Set research goals, participate in and direct research focused on conducting experimental or theoretical studies to further understanding of the fundamental limitations of qubit devices and invent qubits with the potential to disrupt the application space of quantum technologies.

As a valued member of the LPS team, you will leverage your expertise, ideas, and vision to:
- Lead projects that shape the future of U.S. computing interests
- Conduct research in modeling and simulation of quantum information systems
- Collaborate with leading scientists in quantum computing across government, industry, and academia to understand the latest state-of-the-art research, and identify future research gaps and needs
- Implement strategies by directing U.S. Government investments
- Advance U.S. leadership in Quantum Information Science (QIS) for the benefit of the entire nation

Experience in the following areas are desired:
- Quantum Hardware Development
- Quantum Supporting technologies and methods
- Quantum protocol development, including quantum error correction
- Characterization, analysis, and physical constraints of quantum systems
- Maturing quantum technologies
- Several layers of a quantum information system hierarchy, from micro-physics to logical

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Degree must be in either (1) Engineering, (2) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university, or (3) a relevant professional technical field (for example, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology).

For Engineering degrees, if program is not ABET EAC accredited, it must include specified coursework.*

*Specified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress-strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i), computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics.

Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing engineering or physical sciences work, or conducting academic or independent research in a technical field (for example, mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences).

FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.

SENIOR
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 3 years of relevant experience.

EXPERT
Entry is a Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 6 years of relevant experience.

Education

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Degree must be in either (1) Engineering, (2) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university, or (3) a relevant professional technical field (for example, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology).

For Engineering degrees, if program is not ABET EAC accredited, it must include specified coursework.*

*Specified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress-strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i), computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics.

Additional information

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.

Salary Range: $104,219 - $195,200 (Full Performance, Senior, Expert)

Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. This position is hiring for Maryland.

On the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.

Benefits: NSA offers excellent benefits to include relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, paid personal fitness time, training and continuing education classes, health and life insurance, Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Federal retirement plan.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You are someone who has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a desire to guide and influence a broad research community, thrives on solving problems, and is able to:
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences, and physical sciences to analyze problems and determine technical solutions
- Work effectively across several different functional areas in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Handle and prioritize multiple assignments
- Synthesize information to solve complex problems

Required Documents

The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1244433

Agency contact information

NSA POC

Next steps

To apply, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1244433


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