Principal/Sr. Principal Quantum Modeling Capabilities Physicist

The Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) Microelectronics and Device Applications (MDA) group pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines the leading edge of exotic new technologies, and drives advances in the sciences. One of our most challenging new fields is Transformational Computing, which combines the unique properties of superconductivity and quantum mechanics to develop radical new energy-efficient computing systems. Our team is chartered with providing the skills to transform computing beyond Moore’s Law, advancing development of computer architectures, processing/memory subsystems, and large-scale high-performance computing systems. You’ll work in a R&D environment alongside a broad array of scientists and engineers to make these processing solutions a reality and deliver remarkable new advantages to the warfighter.

We are seeking a quantum modeling capabilities physicist with a robust scientific background who has an interest in developing and implementing modeling and simulation techniques for superconducting qubits and superconducting electronics. This position will involve understanding and improving existing modeling and simulation tools as well as developing new ones. The ideal candidate has experience working on simulations used to design new experiments and interpret test results.

This position requires work on site located at our Advanced Technology Lab (ATL) in Linthicum, Maryland or Annapolis Junction, MD.

Your responsibilities:

• Develop and innovate state-of-the-art modeling and simulation techniques for designing and characterizing superconducting qubit devices.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of theorists and experimentalists in developing a simulation toolkit to support diverse needs and goals within function, cost, and schedule constraints.
• Employ simulation tools to guide experiment and interpret superconducting device test results.
• Support the upkeep of current simulation tools.
• Train users and mentor junior staff.

What you need to be successful in the role:

• Motivation to conduct research in quantum computing, qubit design, and superconducting electronics.
• Tenacity when solving problems and drive to find optimal solutions.
• Ability to learn new techniques, as needed by the program requirements.
• Ability to present technical results to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to collaborate in small groups (4-7 people) and to work independently.

This position can be filled at the Principal level OR Sr. Principal level.  Qualifications for both are listed below:

Basic Qualifications for Principal Quantum Modeling Capabilities Physicist:

• PhD in theoretical physics, applied mathematics, or a relevant engineering STEM field with 1 year of relevant technical experience; master’s degree in STEM related field plus 3 years of relevant technical experience; bachelor's degree in STEM related field plus 5 years of relevant technical experience.
• Experience with physics-based numerical modeling and simulation.
• Experience developing mathematical models to understand experimental results.
• Experience writing version-controlled code in Python.
• Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI with polygraph clearance. U.S. Citizenship is a prerequisite.

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Quantum Modeling Capabilities Physicist:

• PhD in theoretical physics, applied mathematics, or a relevant engineering STEM field plus 4 years of relevant technical experience; master's degree in STEM related field plus 6 years of relevant technical experience; bachelor's degree in STEM related field plus 8 years of relevant technical experience.
• Experience with physics-based numerical modeling and simulation.
• Experience developing mathematical models to understand experimental results.
• Experience writing version-controlled code in Python.
• Mentorship and leadership experience in a scientific setting.
• Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI with polygraph clearance. U.S. Citizenship is a prerequisite.

Preferred Qualifications for both Principal OR Sr. Principal Quantum Modeling Capabilities Physicist:

• PhD in theoretical physics, applied mathematics, or a relevant science or engineering field.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: superconducting qubits, circuit QED, quantum information theory, quantum simulation, quantum dynamics, open quantum systems, or tensor network algorithms.
• Proficiency with high-performance computing and best practices in collaborative Python-based software development.
• Experience collaborating with experimentalists to validate and refine physics-based models and simulations.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.