Contract Quantum Software Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

ABOUT THE TEAM
Anduril Labs is a multidisciplinary team of technologists, solution architects, engineers, and military subject matter experts. Its mission is to drive innovation across all Anduril business units and product lines by developing novel concepts and next-generation technologies that enhance Anduril's competitive edge and give its customers a decisive technological advantage over its adversaries.
ABOUT THE JOB
We are seeking a talented and innovative Quantum Software Engineer to join our forward-looking team at Anduril Labs. In this role, you will be instrumental in building and delivering impactful quantum solutions for both Anduril-internal use cases and external customer applications. You will work closely with delivery leads, application developers, and other solutions architects, as well as internal and external partners to design, implement, and deliver bleeding edge quantum solutions on state-of-the-art quantum-inspired, quantum annealing, and quantum gate platforms for real-world defense and national security challenges.
The ideal candidate will combine a strong foundation in quantum computing principles with hands-on classical and quantum software development expertise. You will leverage your skills to translate complex problems into (hybrid) quantum algorithms, applications, and services. This includes developing robust software implementations, and integrate quantum-enhanced solutions into existing and new defense systems. If you are passionate about applying theoretical quantum concepts to deliver tangible, high-impact results, and thrive in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and rapid prototyping, we encourage you to apply.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Be a key contributor to the development of next-generation quantum-enhanced Anduril offerings and lead the design, development, and deployment of novel quantum-enhanced applications and services in the defense and national security domain.
• Develop impactful hybrid quantum algorithms and applications that promise significant decision advantages and focus on practical scalability and real-world applicability.
• Contribute knowledge of classical and quantum optimization algorithms and tools, evaluating, and communicating their pros and cons, current state-of-the-art, scaling behaviors, trade-offs, and cross-over points.
• Participate in the full (hybrid) quantum software development lifecycle, from concept and design to testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Quantum Information Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a closely related technical field.
• 3+ years of hands-on, professional software development experience with C, C++, Python, or another general-purpose compiled programming language.
• Practical experience in quantum computing, including programming quantum applications, or quantum circuit compilation.
• Proficiency with one or more leading quantum programming languages, SDKs, or APIs such as Qiskit, CUDA-Q, Q#, Cirq, PennyLane, or similar.
• Expertise in key mathematical techniques foundational to quantum computing, including linear algebra, matrix decompositions, probability theory, group theory, symmetry, and computational complexity.
• Proficient with database systems and SQL, with hands-on experience working with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL).
• Experience with Git version control, build tools, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of software testing principles and practices, including unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing.
• Strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret SCI security clearance.
• Demonstrable hands-on experience using GenAI tools (e.g., OpenAI Codex, Claude Code, Gemini Code Assist, GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, or similar) for software development, code generation, debugging, and algorithmic exploration.

• Master's or Ph.D. in Quantum Information Science, Physics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Familiarity with leading classical optimization tools and solvers (e.g., CPLEX, Gurobi, OR-Tools) and knowledge of mathematical modeling and classical optimization solution techniques.
• Experience building and deploying applications to solve complex business or defense problems for customers.
• Proven record of successful on-time delivery of complex software projects with a high degree of predictability and quality.
• Experience with deployment of code in distributed environments, cloud application development (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP), and RESTful API-driven architectures.
• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments or parallel programming.
• Familiarity with quantum hardware platforms and their unique characteristics.
• Prior experience in defense, aerospace, or related industries applying advanced technologies.
• Willingness to travel up to approximately 10%.