The NSA invites you to be part of an elite research team designing the cryptography that protects our nation's most sensitive communications. As an Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher, you will translate mission needs into cryptographic solutions. Partner with customers across space, special operations, tactical, & SWaP constrained domains.
Work alongside world-class mathematicians and engineers to design, prototype, and evaluate new symmetric and public-key algorithms and protocols.
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 Atomic Physicist to serve as an Experimentalist and/or Technical Program Manager.
The successful candidate 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. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience working with trapped-ion or neutral-atom systems for fault-tolerant quantum computing.
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 trapped-ion and neutral-atom systems is desired: - Quantum hardware development and operation: direct experience with trapped ion systems or neutral atom arrays, either in simulation, modelling, fabrication or manipulation of qubit preparation/cooling, qubit transport, gate operations and readout - Quantum supporting technologies and methods: hands-on experience with static and RF trap development, optical tweezers, laser control systems, and related optical and electronic subsystems such as spatial light modulators, acousto-optic deflectors/modulators, electro-optic modulators, beam combiners, high-power optical system, and fiber-chip coupling/alignment .
- Quantum protocol development and performance evaluation, from single qubits to multi-qubits and quantum error correction - Characterization and analysis of the 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
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 (3) a relevant professional technical field (for example, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology).
For Engineering degrees, if program is not ABET 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).
intelcareers@nsa.gov · 1-844-424-4737
This position is with National Security Agency/Central Security Service, Department of Defense.
The posted pay range is $132751 – $197200/yr.
This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-10-12.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
Apply on official site →