Quantum Software Engineer - Nuclear
Designs, writes, and tests quantum algorithms (QPE, VQE, Hamiltonian simulation) applied to nuclear physics problems, collaborating with experimental physicists and external groups. Core stack is Python with quantum frameworks like Qiskit/Cirq, plus R&D, proposal writing, and publishing research.
- Compensation
- $110K–$182K / yr
- Location
- Chicago, United States
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Software engineering
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- BS or MS in Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- High programming proficiency, Python preferred; C/C++ or Julia acceptable with ability to upskill in Python
- General familiarity with nuclear physics (nuclear structure, Goldstone diagrams, Fermionic algebra, Fock Space)
- Experience with at least one subfield of nuclear physics (QCD, EFT, many-body, etc.)
- Experience with quantum algorithms for physical science applications (QPE, VQE, Hamiltonian Simulation)
- Experience applying quantum algorithms to nuclear physics
- Familiarity with AI: machine learning, LLMs, agentic AI
- Experience with open-source quantum software frameworks such as Cirq or Qiskit, ideally including modifying them
- Professional-level verbal, written, and presentation communication skills across all organizational levels
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative, cross-functional, matrixed environment
- Ability to thrive in a fluid, dynamic, fast-paced environment and learn complex topics quickly
- Resourceful problem-solver with expertise executing productization efforts
- Ability to be in the office any three days per week
- Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally up to 10%
Nice to have
- PhD in quantum computation, physics, computer science, or related field
- Familiarity with quantum computing concepts: error correction, fault tolerance, native gate decomposition, qubit mapping/routing, variational algorithms
- Experience with advanced open-source quantum frameworks such as Stim
- Familiarity with software engineering best practices: coverage, integration tests, type checking, unit tests, version control
- Experience with backend development using FastAPI, PostgreSQL/SQLAlchemy
- Experience with cloud development, especially GCP and AWS
- Familiarity with CI/CD, automated actions, issue tracking, and version control on GitHub
- Familiarity with security best practices: access control, encryption at rest, key rotation, logging
- Exposure to or interest in front-end/GUI development (React, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, PyQt)
Full description
We are seeking a Quantum Software Engineer with expertise in nuclear physics and quantum algorithms for physical science applications.
Job Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities outlined below include essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, this role may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned:
- Conduct R&D toward cutting-edge advances in quantum technology with a focus on applications to nuclear physics
- Write and test code to apply quantum algorithms to nuclear physics problems
- Interface and collaborate with external groups interested in using quantum computing to solve nuclear physics problems
- Contribute to development of government and commercial nuclear proposals
- Collaborate with experimental physicists and software engineers to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical implementation
- Engage with the broader scientific community by publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting at conferences
- Stay up to date with the latest developments in both quantum algorithms and nuclear physics
- Provide guidance and support to other team members, fostering a collaborative research environment
RequirementsRequired Qualifications
- BS or MS in Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
- High proficiency in programming, with fluency in Python preferable. Proficiency in alternative languages (e.g., C/C++ or Julia) with the ability to rapidly upskill in Python.
- General familiarity of nuclear physics: nuclear structure, Goldstone diagrams, Fermionic algebra, Folk Space, etc.
- Specific experience with at least one subfield of nuclear physics: QCD, EFT, many-body, etc.
- Experience with quantum algorithms used for physical science applications: QPE, VQE, Hamiltonian Simulation, etc.
- Experience in applying quantum algorithms to nuclear physics
- Familiarity with AI: machine learning, LLMs, agentic AI, etc.
- Experience with open-source quantum software frameworks, such as Cirq or Qiskit. Ideal candidates will have experience not only using these libraries but also modifying them.
- Demonstrated ability to work and communicate will all levels of an organization. Professional-level communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a highly collaborative, cross-functional, team-oriented, and matrixed environment.
- Desire and demonstrated ability to thrive and produce results in a fluid, dynamic, and fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to learn new and complex topics quickly.