Quantum Computing Engineer Freelance Jobs in Seattle, WA

This position will help the Department of Veterans Affairs improve its cybersecurity posture against the backdrop of a post-quantum landscape. You will work on projects that aim to develop advanced quantum algorithms, secure cryptographic protocols, and next generation security architectures designed to withstand emerging threats. This role blends deep theoretical knowledge with practical engineering and requires a desire to continuously learn and teach others what you know.

Key Responsibilities:

• Quantum Algorithm Design — Develop, test, and optimize quantum algorithms for computation, simulation, and cryptographic analysis.
• Post‐Quantum Cryptography — Implement and evaluate quantum‐resistant cryptographic schemes aligned with NIST PQC standards.
• Security Architecture — Design secure communication frameworks leveraging quantum key distribution (QKD) and hybrid cryptographic models.
• Research & Innovation — Publish findings, evaluate emerging technologies, and contribute to long‐term quantum security strategy.
• Performance Benchmarking — Analyze algorithmic performance across classical and quantum systems.
• Cross‐Functional Collaboration — Work with engineering, cybersecurity, and data science teams to integrate quantum‐safe solutions.

Requirements:

• Must be a US Citizen, with the ability to obtain a US Security Clearance
• Minimum of 10 years of IT experience, of which at least 5 years are of quantum computing and cryptography experience at a large corporation or Government agency.
• Master’s or PhD in Quantum Computing, Physics, Computer Science, Cryptography, Mathematics, or related field.
• Expertise in quantum mechanics, quantum algorithms (e.g., Shor’s algorithm, Grover’s algorithm), and quantum information theory, with a strong foundation in linear algebra and complex systems.
• Expertise in quantum programming languages and frameworks such as Qiskit (IBM), Cirq (Google), Quipper, and the Microsoft Quantum Development Kit.
• Expertise in cryptographic protocols (e.g., RSA, ECC, AES) and the principles of public-key infrastructure (PKI).
• Expertise in post-quantum cryptography and quantum-resistant algorithms.
• Expertise in existing cryptographic standards and frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO/IEC 19790).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and/or Java for implementing and testing cryptographic algorithms.
• Expertise with classical and quantum simulation tools.
• Expertise working with and advising on quantum-resistant algorithm migration plans and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) implementation strategies, including assessing organizational cryptographic inventory and identifying migration priorities.
• Expertise collaborating with cross-functional teams to communicate quantum risk to non-technical leadership.
• Experience providing policy and guidance inputs for cryptographic modernization aligned with NIST PQC standards (FIPS 203, 204, 205).
• Expertise in project management or working in a project-oriented environment, with an understanding of how configuration management fits into the overall project lifecycle within a large corporation or Government agency similar in size/scope to VA, GSA, IRS, or DoD.
• One or more of the following certifications required: CISSP, CISA, CISM, CASP+ CE, CCNP Security, GCED, GCIH, CCSP, GSLC, or CCISO.

What Makes You Great:

• Experience with quantum error correction and fault‐tolerant architecture.
• Familiarity with quantum networking, QKD systems, or entanglement‐based communication.
• Knowledge of high‐performance computing, GPU acceleration, or distributed systems.
• Publication record in quantum computing or cryptography research.

Key Competencies:

• Analytical Rigor — Ability to solve complex mathematical and computational problems.
• Innovation Mindset — Comfortable working in emerging, rapidly evolving technology spaces.
• Security‐First Thinking — Deep understanding of threat modeling and secure protocol design.
• Technical Communication — Skilled at presenting complex concepts to technical and non‐technical audiences.

Why this position is rewarding:

• You are helping to design and implement technology solutions that will shape the future of the nation’s data security.
• Ultimately, all your work benefits Veterans.
• This is a remote position, so you can work from just about anywhere in the U.S.

Armavel is a fast-growing IT consulting firm that has built a culture founded on a values-first philosophy. We are passionate about delivering results that are timely and world class via an environment that has all the ingredients for our people to thrive. With this in mind, we seek out candidates that demonstrate the following characteristics: honesty, humility, hustle, empathy, resilience, and positivity. These attributes are vital to our company’s growth and are our first priority in our hiring decisions.