Applied Quantum Error Correction Theorist

The Leidos Quantum Incubator has an opening for an Applied Quantum Error Correction Theorist with a broad background in quantum information science. This is an exciting opportunity to advance the forefront of next-generation quantum devices. In this position, the Applied Quantum Error Correction Theorist will design error correction schemes for quantum networking, sensing, and computing applications. Ideal candidates should be interested in a career devoted to applied research and development with strong mathematical and software skills and should be interested in maturing technologies from concept to prototype.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop new concepts for logical quantum devices, ranging from sensing to computing to networking

• Develop and analyze error correction schemes for quantum repeaters and photonic quantum error correction

• Design, simulate, and analyze cutting edge devices in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and precision positioning, navigation, and timing

• Design software to create high-fidelity simulations of quantum communications, photonics, or sensing experiments.

• Collaborate with other team members, engineers, and scientists across the company and different fields to leverage quantum technologies to achieve organizational goals

Multiple openings at various levels. The various position’s minimum education and experience requirements are as follows:

• T3: Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or related fields and 4+ years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.

• T4: Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or related fields and 8+ years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.

Basic Qualifications:

• Research experience in one or more of the following areas: CV and DV quantum information, quantum computing, quantum communications protocols, general quantum information science, quantum error correction, and entangled quantum sensing

• Familiarity with quantum information software tools such as Qiskit, SeQUeNCe, Stim, QuTIP, etc.

• Experience developing innovative solutions based upon the application of relevant research results from a wide variety of sources

• Strong theory and analytical skills

• Strong technical writing skills with experience in writing advanced technical proposals.

• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance

• Strong desire to learn new technologies and flexibility to change from one project to another quickly

• Experience with standard programming languages for analytics or scientific applications, such as Python, Matlab, and Mathematica

• Ability to effectively communicate to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Highly motivated to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present research at conferences

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD degree in physics, engineering, or other equivalent area of expertise

• Extensive experience researching in quantum information and communication theory

• Familiarity with stabilizer error correcting codes as well as nontraditional approaches such as GKP, cat codes, and error detecting codes

• Familiarity with applications of quantum error correction to quantum sensing and distributed quantum computing

• Experience and domain knowledge related to data processing

• Interest and experience in quantum communications, quantum networks, and quantum sensing

• Demonstrated experience in proposing and winning independent research funding

• DoD Top Secret Clearance

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

November 20, 2025

For U.S. Positions: 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 $85,150.00 - $153,925.00

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.