Freelance High Performance Computing Engineer Jobs in California

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) Division has an opening for a Quantum and High Performance Computing Engineer to join the Advanced Technologies Group (ATG).

ATG engages with other national labs, vendors, and the general research community to help define and evaluate technologies that enhance scientific computing research. The group's goals include understanding what the high performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing (QC) landscapes will look like following the end of Moore's Law and post-exascale.  

You will contribute to the advancement of NERSC's strategy for quantum and hybrid quantum-classical computing while supporting Berkeley Lab's role in the Genesis Mission.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans

• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program 

• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams! 

• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.

• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

• Pet insurance 

Quantum and High Performance Computing Engineer, Level 3:

• Participate in NERSC's efforts in assessing emerging quantum computing technologies in architecture, algorithms and programming paradigms to provide input for quantum and HPC system procurements and DOE technology roadmaps. 

• Evaluate hardware and software technologies pertaining to quantum computing for their potential to be applied to NERSC's workload.

• Work with vendors to prioritize develop and enhance their technologies in order to better meet the needs of DOE Office of Science application codes and workflows

• Investigate pathways for quantum-HPC deployments, including viability criteria and operational requirements.

• Analyze the performance and scalability of scientific applications on current and future quantum-HPC computing platforms.

• Participate in NERSC's outreach activities through written documents, presentations and developing peer to peer contacts with other professionals in the field.

• Prepare timely reports, papers, and lectures describing significant results for dissemination within NERSC and throughout the broader quantum computing and HPC research communities. 

• Work on and resolve complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. 

• Exercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. 

• Determine methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel.

Quantum and High Performance Computing Engineer, Level 4:

• Participate in the development of NERSC's quantum computing strategy including extrapolation of technology trends over the next decade of quantum-HPC platforms.

• Work on and resolve complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors; ensure NERSC's quantum strategy is adaptable. 

• Exercise independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

• Work on and resolve significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles.

• Mentor junior members of staff and postdoctoral fellows.

We are looking for, at Level 3:

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a Doctoral degree; or equivalent experience. 

• Knowledge of quantum computing architectures, technology trends and their implications.

• Experience in programming and performance analysis of scientific applications of quantum computing.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a cross-disciplinary team.

• Experience independently planning and completing projects.

• Proficient with Python, Julia or other programming languages.

In addition to above, at Level 4: 

• Typically requires a minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or 4 years and a Doctoral degree; or equivalent experience.

• Track record of technical leadership or leading collaborative projects.

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts in a team environment.

• Recognized expertise and established professional network in quantum computing, HPC or related fields.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computational Science, Physical Sciences, or related field.

• Demonstrated track record of research and technical publications in quantum computing. Ability to write and present technical papers at conferences and other venues to disseminate research work.

• Knowledge of contemporary quantum processor architecture and design

• Knowledge of quantum compilation software 

• Knowledge of contemporary approaches to quantum error correction, quantum resource estimation, noise mitigation, and quantum characterization verification & validation protocols.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type: This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

• Salary range: 

  • Level 3: The expected salary for this position is $156,864 - $191,724, which fits into the full salary of $139,440 - $235,308 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.

  • Level 4: The expected salary for this position is $178,644 - $218,364, which fits into the full salary of $158,808 - $267,996 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.

• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work modality: This position requires substantial on-site presence, but is eligible for a flexible work mode, and hybrid schedules may be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA and some telework. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. In rare cases, full-time telework or remote work modes may be considered.

• Multi-level Posting: This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.