Atomic Physicist / Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher - Experienced to Expert Level (Maryland)

Responsibilities:
NSA is home to one of the largest and most established in-house research organizations within the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), employing scientists with world-class skills in fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity. We collaborate with leading industries, universities, and national laboratories to advance core competencies, leverage work in overlapping disciplines, and solve some of the most challenging national security problems thought to be intractable by adversaries and commercial industry.

NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) attracts top technical talent who not only solve the nation's urgent intelligence problems, but also invent what hasn't been invented and concentrate on what will be needed five, ten, fifteen years down the road. Through its partnership with the University of Maryland (UMD), LPS offers a unique environment where university, industry, and federal government scientists collaborate on research in advanced communication, sensing, and computer technologies. To learn more about LPS, visit: https://www.lps.umd.edu

LPS is currently seeking an experienced Quantum Computing Technical Program Manager/ Atomic Physicist, who will be responsible for setting research goals and direct research focused on conducting experimental or theoretical studies to further understanding of the fundamental limitations of atomic qubit devices and platforms. Specific focus of this job is for applicants with an extensive history working with either trapped icon or neutral atom system for fault-tolerant quantum computing applications.

As a valued member of the LPS team, you will leverage your expertise, ideas, and vision to:
- Lead and oversee projects that shape the future of U.S. computing interests
- 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 related to solid-state qubits are desired:
- Quantum Hardware Development, Operation, and Overcoming Challenges. This would include direct experience (either experimental or theoretical) with trapped ion systems or neutral atom arrays, either in simulation, modelling, fabrication or manipulation of atom temperatures, movements, gate operations and readout
- Quantum Supporting Technologies and Methods such as experience with trap development (e.g. chip or tweezers), laser control systems or other room temperature optics or electronics
- Quantum protocol development and performance evaluation, from single qubits to multi-qubits and quantum error correction
- Characterization, analysis, and physical constraints of quantum systems
- Evaluating current or future opportunities and limitations based on past, current, and projected performance
- Maturing quantum technologies through multiple stages of development and levels of maturity
- Several layers of a quantum information system hierarchy, from micro-physics to logical, and how each level impacts qubit performance

Skills:
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 are able to:
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, engineering, 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
- Ability to clearly communicate to peers and leadership in a variety of methods and forums

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule:
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: $132,751 - $197,200 (Senior, Expert)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.

Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.

Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

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).

DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.



How To Apply - External:
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.

A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**

U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.


The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application)

1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.

2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.

3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.

4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

DCIPS Disclaimer:
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**

Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.

Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, \